City of Stirling Mayor, Mark Irwin, has joined Member for Scarborough, Stuart Aubrey MLA and Coastal Ward Councillors to mark the completion of the Mettams Pool water access ramp replacement.
The new ramp is one of a series of upgrades to the area since severe damage in the storm of August 2022, starting with works to protect the main beach access ramp, the rebuilding of the pathway and repair of the outer wall of the gazebo.
The new ramp leads directly into the water with a continuous handrail, providing safe alternative access, even when the full extent of the rocky barrier is exposed. It replaces the old ramp which was removed in 2021 as it had seriously deteriorated since it was built in 1980.
The works were jointly funded with $80,000 from the Council and $80,000 from the Department of Transport and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission) through the CoastWA program.
Mayor Mark Irwin thanked the State Government for its co-contribution.
“Mettams Pool is uniquely important with its inshore reef and pool, as the primary safe bathing area along the Stirling coastline, particularly for children and people living with a disability,” he said.
“These purpose-built facilities provide a continuous path from accessible parking on West Coast Drive via an access ramp to the beach and directly into the water.
“We appreciate the WA Government’s support to reinstate this access ramp and its important for all levels of government to work together to protect our coastal assets.”
Member for Scarborough, Stuart Aubrey MLA said the new disability access ramp at Mettams Pool will offer a safe and secure way for all members of the community to enjoy the treasured local location.
“The CoastWA Program is dedicated to prioritising investments in planning and projects that help coastal managers to protect and enhance our coastline for generations to come,” he said.
“I am proud to be able to support the City in their planning and management efforts to ensure the ongoing enjoyment of our magnificent coastline for years to come.”
The new access ramp includes a lattice mesh deck made from composite fibre reinforced plastic, which is a significant improvement over the previous solid concrete ramp. Designed by a coastal and port engineering company, it provides a non-slip surface that is relatively self-cleaning.
