Foreshore works to begin after tender approval

The long-awaited development of the Dampier Foreshore is set to begin this month after a tender for the first stage of works was approved.

BGC Contracting will begin works on the $2 million Shark Cage Beach node, including new public walkways and picnic areas along The Esplanade, and a permanent movie screen at Hampton Oval.

Dampier Community Association president Sharon Vertigan said improving the foreshore was key to attracting and retaining residents and visitors to the Dampier.

“Plans to beautify the old shark cage beach area and make it more accessible will really maximise our beautiful coastal assets,” she said.

“In our 50th anniversary year in Dampier, it is fantastic to see the town being revitalised with new infrastructure and facilities, particularly after what has been a challenging 12 to 18 month period, with the resources industry downturn.

“The fact that we are about to celebrate a 50 year milestone demonstrates that regardless of the ever-changing economic climate, Dampier has longevity and many more good times to look forward to.”

Mrs Vertigan said the DCA was particularly excited about the opportunity to hose community movies down by the beach at Hampton Oval.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the Dampier beachfront was “extremely” popular with visitors.

“Ensuring we have the appropriate infrastructure in place to enhance the experience for residents and tourists while protecting our coastline is a high priority for Council,” he said.

“The improvements form the first on the ground works of the Dampier Town Site and Foreshore Management Plan which aims to enhance key areas of public use within Dampier.”

Rio Tinto Dampier Port Operations Manager Nate Foster said it was a great project that Rio Tinto was proud to support.

“The community have every right to be excited,” he said.

BGC Contracting will be utilising local contractors to carry out civil works and have entered a joint venture partnership with locally owned company Yurra to undertake the landscaping for the project.

Further Dampier Townsite and Foreshore works identified under the plan will be incorporated into the City’s Long Term Financial Plan to be rolled out in future years.