Published on Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at 9:19:32 AM
Due to the ongoing and severe coastal erosion affecting the coastal dunes in Lancelin, the Shire of Gingin has made the difficult decision to remove the Hinchcliffe Lookout. Currently, there is a small window of opportunity to safely demolish the structure and recover the section containing the memorial plaques before erosion makes this work significantly more dangerous.
The demolition is scheduled to commence at 7:30am this Friday 18 July 2025 and will continue for approximately a week. The stairs down to the Lancelin Sands Hotel and the entire Hinchcliffe Lookout platform will be removed. The area will be sectioned off while the demolition is underway for the safety of our crew and the public, however this will not affect the operations of the hotel.
The Shire will attempt to contact the original applicants for each memorial plaque - using the contact details provided at the time of application - to inform them of the removal and to offer the opportunity to reclaim their plaque.
If you have previously arranged for a plaque at the Hinchcliffe Lookout and would like to have it returned, please email us at mail@gingin.wa.gov.au. To protect the interests of all families and individuals involved, plaques will only be released after the completion of a statutory declaration confirming:
- the plaque is being returned to the original applicant; or
- to a person officially authorised to act on their behalf; or
- in cases where the original applicant is unable to respond and there is no representative, to a person who can confirm there is no other individual with an equal or greater claim who objects to its release.
Any plaques not immediately reclaimed will be securely stored by the Shire. While no decision has been made yet, the Shire will explore the possibility of relocating the plaques to a suitable alternative site in the future.
We understand this news may be upsetting and appreciate your understanding as we act to protect public safety and preserve these important commemorations where possible.
Shire of Gingin media contact:
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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