Published on Thursday, 2 July 2026 at 11:04:45 AM
The Shire of Gingin would like to provide an update on coastal erosion in north Lancelin.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING – 30 JUNE 2026
On 30 June 2026, a Special Council Meeting was called at Councils request, to consider urgent business in relation to coastal erosion at Lancelin.
The following resolution was passed by Council:
- Council requests that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), in consultation with the State Government and relevant Commonwealth agencies, investigate whether the current coastal erosion event affecting Lancelin North meets the eligibility criteria for activation of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Western Australia (DRFAWA), or any other available State or Commonwealth disaster assistance measures.
- Should the current event not meet the existing eligibility criteria, Council requests that the State Government review the scope of disaster funding arrangements to determine whether severe coastal erosion events should be expressly recognised as eligible natural disasters where they result in substantial damage to public infrastructure and community assets.
- Authorises the Shire President to continue lobbying relevant State and Federal Ministers and government agencies for urgent intervention, funding support and access to technical expertise necessary to address the coastal erosion impacts affecting the Shire and its community.
- Council notes that existing coastal funding programs, including those supporting coastal adaptation planning and long-term coastal hazard management, are not designed to respond to emergency situations requiring immediate intervention. Accordingly, Council advocates that the State Government consider the establishment of a complementary funding framework that provides timely financial assistance and access to technical expertise where urgent action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of severe coastal erosion.
- Any consideration of protection measures should be supported by appropriate technical assessment, regulatory approvals and engagement with affected stakeholders.
CARRIED 5/3
WHAT HAS THE SHIRE BEEN DOING?
Council implemented interim protection measures in September 2025, including the installation of rock bags loaned by the City of Wanneroo. These works were followed by a partially grant-funded sand renourishment program involving the importation, compaction and shaping of approximately 7,000 cubic metres of sand in accordance with coastal engineering advice.
While these works were always intended to be temporary, they provided protection for about four months, considerably less than anticipated. With winter approaching, Council undertook a second sand renourishment campaign at the Shire's full expense, which only provided approximately 10 days protection. The Shire acknowledges that repeatedly undertaking emergency sand renourishment is neither financially sustainable nor a long-term solution.
The tenant of the 3 Emus has also commenced the strategic placement of sandbags in an effort to reduce erosion immediately in front of the hotel. At the same time, the Shire has undertaken additional sand renourishment works, installed geofabric matting and deployed rock bags now owned by the Shire. A further 30 rock bags have been purchased and are currently in transit, with additional dune strengthening and reshaping scheduled over the coming fortnight.
The Shire appreciates the cooperation and assistance from the tenant and adjacent landowners.
WORKING TOWARDS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION
The Shire has engaged with officers from the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, (DTMI) the Department of Planning, CoastWA and WALGA since the accelerated erosion begun. As part of this work, the Shire has applied for Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) grant funding to undertake a detailed coastal geomorphology assessment and develop evidence-based design options. While erosion is occurring at an accelerated rate, the underlying cause has not yet been identified. Until this is better understood, it is difficult to determine which long-term management option will provide the greatest benefit.
The Shire appreciates the assistance and guidance from the above agencies.
ADVOCATING FOR URGENT STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Despite these efforts, the current grant funding process and associated timeframes do not reflect the urgency of the situation. Accordingly, the Shire President wrote to the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA as Minister for Transport, the Hon John Carey MLA as Minister for Planning, and the Hon Roger Cook MLA as Premier of Western Australia, seeking urgent Ministerial intervention and requesting a meeting in Lancelin to discuss the situation and explore available solutions.
The Shire has since been referred to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA. On 1 July 2026, the Shire received an offer of a 30-minute meeting in Perth in approximately four weeks' time, or alternatively in approximately six weeks' time. Given the rapid progression of coastal erosion, the Shire has advised that these timeframes do not reflect the urgency of the situation and has reiterated its request for an on-site meeting in Lancelin.
THE WAY FORWARD
Urgent and serious consideration at the Ministerial level is required, and the Shire is committed to being a willing and proactive partner in that conversation. The Shire stands ready to work collaboratively and constructively with the State Government and all relevant agencies to develop and implement pragmatic, effective, and long-term solutions to this serious issue.
Despite the significant efforts undertaken to date, the scale and complexity of this issue exceeds the capacity and resources of a small regional local government acting alone. The cost of investigating, designing and constructing a permanent solution is well beyond the Shire's financial and technical capacity without substantial State Government support.
WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY
The Shire thanks representatives of the Lancelin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Lancelin District Community Association, and Friends of Lancelin Coast for taking the time to meet with the CEO yesterday 1 July, to discuss the current situation and provide constructive suggestions to improve community communication.
A montage of photos that demonstrates the extent of erosion of a small time period can be viewed below:
Photography credits to: @DRONESPHERE AU
Media Contacts:
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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