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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

WA town sliding into ocean gets funding for temporary sea wall

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Western Australian government has committed $1.1 million to build a temporary rock wall in Lancelin.
  • The wall aims to slow coastal erosion threatening businesses like a local pub and caravan park.
  • While welcomed as a temporary solution, some advocates worry it may increase erosion elsewhere.

The coastal town of Lancelin in Western Australia has received a $1.1 million funding commitment from the state government to construct a temporary rock wall. This measure is intended to combat severe coastal erosion that has been steadily consuming the shoreline, threatening vital local businesses, including a pub and a caravan park.

mitigate any further potential damage and ensure the longevity of our town

— Glen TrebilcockThe Lancelin Sands Hotel owner described the expected benefits of the new rock wall for his business and the town.

Residents and business owners have been campaigning for over a year to protect their livelihoods from the encroaching sea. Glen Trebilcock, owner of the Lancelin Sands Hotel, reported losing approximately 50 meters of beach in just 15 months due to erosion, which intensified after a storm surge in June 2026. He has personally invested around $10,000 in sand to protect his property.

woefully inadequate

— Kirsty HardingA member of the Save Lancelin Community Coalition criticized the scope of the rock wall project.

The planned 110-meter rock wall, expected to provide protection for about five years, is a joint effort with the Shire of Gingin contributing an additional $150,000. Shire president Linda Balcombe stated the funding will allow the town time to investigate the root causes of the erosion and develop a permanent solution.

It protects two properties only, which is great for these properties that are at the most imminent risk, but it doesn't protect the Lancelin community.

— Kirsty HardingHarding further explained her concerns about the limited protection offered by the proposed wall.

However, not all parties are fully satisfied. The Save Lancelin Community Coalition has labeled the funding as "woefully inadequate," arguing that the wall will only protect two specific properties at immediate risk. Coalition member Kirsty Harding expressed concern that the structure does not address the erosion affecting other parts of the Lancelin community and dune systems, potentially shifting the problem to other beachfront residents.

We're really happy something is being done but what about the rest of the town?

— Kirsty HardingHarding voiced the community's mixed feelings about the funding, appreciating the action but questioning its extent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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