Published on Friday, 17 July 2026 at 1:14:00 PM
The Shire of Gingin would like to provide an update on the ongoing coastal erosion response at North Lancelin.
The Shire recognises the community’s desire for timely information and appreciates the patience shown while important discussions have taken place with key stakeholders. With some key meetings now completed, the Shire provides the following update on the current response.
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
On Wednesday 15 July, the Hon John Carey BA MLA, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, attended Lancelin and met with the Shire President, Deputy Shire President, CEO and Executive Manager Operations and Assets. This followed the Minister’s meeting with affected landowners and the tenant of the Lancelin Sands Hotel.
The Shire is pleased that affected landowners and the tenant have had the opportunity to discuss their concerns directly with the Minister and his team. This meeting represented an important step in progressing discussions and enables further information regarding the coordinated response to now be shared with the community.
The Minister expressed support for an evidence-based management response and indicated flexibility regarding the scope of funding, as well as the availability of technical and State Government assistance to support the Shire.
COASTWA FUNDING
The recent commitment to provide the Shire with $458,250 to implement emergency mitigation works and support further investigations was the result of a funding application submitted by the Shire in April 2026. This application was made prior to the media and political attention.
The funding commitment was not a direct response to recent media and political attention but rather the result of ongoing advocacy and proactive efforts by the Shire to secure financial assistance to support coastal management activities.
Given the accelerated rate of erosion being experienced at North Lancelin, the original scope of the grant funding requires review to ensure the available funding delivers the most effective response and provides the greatest benefit to the community.
The CoastWA funding is a restricted grant, meaning it can only be spent on activities approved by the State Government under the funding agreement.
Given the rapid change in coastal conditions, the Shire President wrote to relevant Ministers seeking assistance and intervention. This was on the basis that the existing processes did not contemplate the accelerated erosion currently being experienced.
The approved scope of the grant currently includes:
- Detailed investigations into the coastal processes affecting North Lancelin, including site-specific data collection and analysis of shoreline behaviour to enable improved modelling of shoreline evolution.
- Technical investigations to inform the feasibility, design and timing of short and long-term coastal adaptation and management options.
- Two sand nourishment campaigns.
- Engineering design of a temporary emergency rock bag wall.
The Shire appreciates the Minister’s in-principle support for flexibility regarding the approved funding scope to ensure the funding can be directed towards the most appropriate management response.
Given the completion of recent dune stabilisation works, which were already programmed and funded by the Shire, the sand nourishment components identified within the original funding scope are being reviewed. The Shire continues to work with DTMI to refine the scope of the funded works, with funding likely to be directed to implementation of management works, e.g. emergency rock bag wall, rather than further sand nourishment and design.
POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Shire staff have been liaising closely with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) and coastal engineers to progress a basis for design and identify short to medium-term management options for Council consideration.
Options currently being investigated include a temporary (2-5+ years) rock bag solution or a geofabric bag solution adjacent to the Lancelin Sands Hotel and North End Caravan Park.
The preferred course of action will be subject to a future Council decision and further discussions with the State Government, particularly where changes to the approved funding scope may be required.
The Shire, DTMI and coastal engineers are committed to progressing options as quickly as possible. It is anticipated that options will be presented to Council for consideration in August, subject to completion of the necessary technical investigations and design work.
The Shire is also mindful that any coastal intervention must be carefully considered to avoid unintentionally transferring erosion impacts to other sections of the coastline. This requires appropriate technical assessment and advice.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
Shire staff have been communicating with the creators of a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $150,000 towards the construction of a seawall.
The Shire understands that the intent of the campaign is to support a more permanent coastal management solution rather than short-term measures such as sand nourishment.
The Shire is working with the campaign creators to explore how community contributions may best complement the broader response being developed in collaboration with DTMI and the Shire’s coastal engineers.
RECENT WORKS
Following the delivery of rock bags last week, works commenced this week to recontour and stabilise the primary dune in front of the Lancelin Sands Hotel and Caravan Park.
The works have included dune stabilisation, installation of geofabric matting and placement of rock bag protection. Fencing has been installed to avoid potential pedestrian damage to the adjacent dune system.
It is anticipated that these works will provide foredune protection in managing erosion risks over the winter period while longer-term options are progressed.
These works provide the necessary time to allow further technical assessment, revised project scoping and the commissioning of future works.
DREDGING
DTMI has confirmed plans to commence maintenance dredging at the Lancelin Jetty, these works are anticipated to begin in October. Dredged sand will be strategically placed to assist with the mitigation efforts, which is expected to equate to 10,000 m³. The Shire appreciates the programming of these works to assist with a coordinated response to the erosion issue. More information about the dredging campaign will be available to the community in September.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP / DROP-IN SESSION
The Shire is coordinating a community workshop/drop-in session in Lancelin, to be attended by relevant State Government agency representatives and coastal engineers.
The session will provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions, understand the work being undertaken and hear directly from relevant technical representatives.
While the timing has not yet been confirmed, the session is expected to occur within the next month. Further details will be released once stakeholder availability, dates and a location has been confirmed.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Shire acknowledges the concern and frustration being experienced by residents, property owners, visitors and businesses who value the North Lancelin coastline.
The Shire recognises that coastal erosion is an issue about which people hold strong views and that community members are understandably passionate about protecting this important environmental, social and economic asset.
The Shire welcomes constructive engagement and encourages all discussions to remain respectful and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the Lancelin community.
The Shire will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available and as decisions are progressed.
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Matilda Agnew
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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