The McGowan Government has today announced the completion of vital construction works to combat erosion at Apex Reserve, on the Canning River Foreshore in Mount Pleasant.
In recent years, the shoreline at Apex Reserve has experienced erosion and the existing wall structures that are protecting the Rowing WA and Swan River Rowing Club buildings have severely deteriorated.
As part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) Riverbank Program, the existing deteriorated timber wall has been removed and replaced by a new limestone block river wall to stabilise the area and prevent further erosion.
The 200-metre new river wall protects the adjoining recreation reserve and Rowing WA headquarters, and ensures the area remains available for the community to use and enjoy into the future.
Additional works included the construction of a rock headland to assist in retaining the adjacent beach, additional beach sand, landscaping and planting of native species, such as the one-sided bottlebrush (Calothamnus quadrifidus), dwarf sheoak (Allocasuarina humilis) and the spider net grevillea (Grevillea preissii).
The $619,000 project was managed by DBCA and supported by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; Burswood Park Board; and Rowing WA.
Construction took just over a month and was completed by local contractor Advanteering Civil Engineers.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government recognises the significant environmental, recreational and cultural values of the Swan and Canning rivers, and is committed to their protection.
“Since the Riverbank Program’s inception in 2002, a combined $45 million has been invested across 294 Riverbank project sites by State and local government foreshore managers.
“The recent works undertaken at Apex Reserve will ensure the future of the site for rowing clubs and the wider community.”
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
“These works will safeguard the use of the adjoining recreation precinct for the community and mitigate the impact of erosion on Crown land.
“Congratulations to all parties on the completion of this project; this is a great outcome for the local community of Mount Pleasant as well as rowers accessing the site.”
