Current Projects
North Road and Sanford Road Roundabout
Works to commence construction of the North Road and Sanford Road Roundabout is just around the corner.
This vital addition will significantly boost road safety at this intersection, and the City of Albany is gearing up to kick-start construction at the end of 2023.
We understand the importance of small businesses in our community and are committed to minimising any disruptions they might face during these improvements.
Have
questions or concerns? Our dedicated project team is here to help. You can reach them at 6820 3000 or drop them an email at
[email protected].
You can download the information flyer
here and access the project sketch
here.
Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study
The City of Albany is undertaking a feasibility study into Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) and is seeking community feedback from users, spectators, parents, and community groups from across the region.
The study by Otium Planning Group will assess current and future demand on ALAC and whether the current level of service is sufficient to meet user needs and expectations.
Featuring a pool, gym, indoor courts, creche and café, ALAC is the City’s busiest community facility with more than 500,000 visits annually and is an important community hub for leisure, health, recreation and networking.
A survey is being conducted as part of the study, inviting everyone who has an interest in ALAC to share their views and help guide the study’s recommendations.
This survey will be open until 2 August 2023. To complete the survey, please click the link below:
ALAC Feasibility Survey
Click here to read the media release.
Albany Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment
BACKGROUND
ASLSC provides a highly valued community service for Albany and the Great Southern in the delivery of lifesaving, emergency response, first aid, training and education, and intergenerational sport, recreation, and community events.
In response to the recent infrastructure upgrades within the Middleton Beach Precinct and growing memberships, ASLSC undertook a review of its strategic vision to address several pressing challenges and opportunities affecting its future.
The expansion and redevelopment of the existing club house was identified as a key project to be delivered as part of the ASLSC Strategic Plan to provide:
- A safer, more efficient, and welcoming community facility:
- Improved lifesaving and water safety operations; and
- Increased community engagement through new training and education spaces.
OBJECTIVES
The main project objectives are:
- To address key safety risks related to the access and storage of motorised water safety equipment,
- To improve the safety, capacity and efficiency of core delivery areas – lifesaving, emergency services, training and education, surf sports and competition, community capacity building;
- To increase community benefit – improving the quality, capacity and accessibility of community facilities and services; and
- To assist City of Albany meet growing community demand at Middleton Beach and support the Foreshore and Activity Centre redevelopment goals and community strategic plans.
SCOPE
The scope of work comprises of:
- The expansion and separation of motorised water safety equipment and surf sports equipment.
- A centralised and dedicated life saving hub
- A new community meeting spaces to support community events and meeting activities. It is envisaged that community groups will be able to book this space at minimal cost – as opposed to booking the whole venue.
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms are located next to the ASLSC building, and do not form part of this project’s scope. There is currently a project underway to refurbish the Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms. Click here to find out more.
FUNDING
The total project value is $2,754,000.00 and has been funded from the following organisations:
- WA Govt - DLGSCI
- Lotterywest
- City of Albany
- Albany Surf Lifesaving Club
PROJECT PROFILE
TIMING
Subject to a successful contractor being awarded, construction is expected to commence in September 2023 with completion expected to be in June 2024. During construction, the ASLSC building will not be available for use by community user groups. The adjacent public toilets and footpaths may also be unavailable for a short period of time during construction. Temporary facilities will be provided if required. The community be regularly updated with progress and disruption notices during constructions.
ARCHITECTURAL IMPRESSIONS _ Concept Only
PUBLIC TOILETS
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms are located next to the ASLSC building, and do not form part of this (ASLSC Redevelopment ) project’s scope. A Project brief is attached to this page.
Oyster Harbour Foreshore Management Plan
The City of Albany is preparing a Foreshore Management Plan (FMP) for Oyster Harbour from the Emu Point Café to the Emu Point Marina.
The FMP is the next step after completion of the Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) for the stretch of coastline between Middleton Beach and Emu Point. This area of coast is highly valued for its social, environmental and economic aspects, and the FMP will provide more detailed plans for management of specific areas.
The study area includes the coast and adjacent parks, beaches, playgrounds and car parks between Emu Point and the boat ramp.
The FMP will provide recommendations on appropriate land uses and functions that respond to changing coastline, through engagement with the community and key stakeholders. Technical support is being provided from engineers, landscape architects, town planners and City staff.
In October 2021 the City went out to seek public comment on the proposed concept and design, feedback from this consultation process is available here -
Oyster Harbour Foreshore Management Plan - Engagement Outcomes 2021
More Information?
If you would like more information about the project, please contact the City of Albany on (08) 6820 3000 or email [email protected]
Information on the CHRMAP is available within the Completed Projects Page
Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms Refurbishment
BACKGROUND
The City of Albany maintains public open space infrastructure to ensure amenities are easy to access for everyone and encourage the use and enjoyment of public places by all members of the community. This includes people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, older people, young people and families.
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets and Changerooms facility is highly used by the community and visitors but is an aging asset that does not meet current standards for accessibility. Refurbishment of the Middleton Beach Public Toilets and Changerooms is planned for in the 2023/24 financial year. The refurbishment project will ensure access to safe, clean, and accessible public toilets for our residents and travellers visiting Middleton Beach.
OBJECTIVES
Safety
- Prioritise the safety of all public toilet and changeroom users. Incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to minimise opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour
Accessibility
- Ensure the public facilities meet current standards for accessibility. Ensure compliance with relevant standards and other best practice accessibility guidelines.
Inclusion
- Incorporate best practice design principles to meet the needs of all residents and visitors, of all ages and abilities.
- Cater for gender inclusiveness and family friendly facilities.
Best Practice Design
- Incorporate appropriate fixtures that are durable, robust, and easy to maintain.
- Design to be responsive to the local context and character to integrate with recent and future development works occurring in the Middleton Beach precinct.
- Balance current and future community needs and expectations to ensure Middleton Beach continues to be a premier destination for locals and visitors.
SCOPE
The refurbishment will provide high quality and compliant toilet and change facilities for use by all members of the community and visitors. Works will involve:
- Replacement of old fixtures and fittings including toilet pans, shower roses, sinks, baby change, hooks and bench seating.
- Construction of a compliant Universal Access Toilet (UAT) to replace the existing non-compliant facility.
- Public open space improvements including widened under covered area, more seating, bag hooks, improved lighting and security.
The refurbishment is limited to works within the existing building footprint. This is due to site and budget constraints however, there is an opportunity to review the ratio of toilets, showers and change space within the existing footprint.
FUNDING
This refurbishment project will be funded from the City of Albany Capital Works Budget.
TIMING
Works are expected to commence and be completed in the 2023/24 financial year.
SITE CONTEXT
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms are externally accessible and attached to the existing Albany Surf Life Saving Club facility, along Middleton Beach foreshore.
The facility currently provides split gender toilets, showers, change rooms and a separate unisex UAT with shower. Other existing public toilets, outdoor showers and bench seating, are located in close proximity. The diagram below shows the location and distances of existing public amenities available in the Precinct.
CONSULTATION SUMMARY
The community was invited to provide feedback on the safety, amenity, and accessibility on the Middleton Beach Public Toilets and Changerooms. Feedback was collected during a two-week period, 8-22 November via an online and hardcopy survey. 85 submissions were received, with a majority of respondents aged between 30-65 with varied frequency of facility use.
Safety:
- 85% of respondents valued cleanliness in a public toilet facility the most, followed by safety (47%), accessibility (43%) and privacy (40%).
- Majority of respondents (75%) feel safer using a split gender toilet configuration (separate make and female toilet entrances). There was support have unisex facilities but as an option or in addition to a split gender arrangement.
- Respondents feel safer using individual shower cubicles than open shower arrangements.
Respondent comments:
“I don't think all toilets/ change rooms should be unisex. If there was an opportunity to provide one or two unisex toilets/ change rooms that would be a better option.”
“Unisex toilets & Changerooms are dangerous separate female & male are much safer for everyone”
“Please keep female change rooms, toilets and showers separate from male, and provide unisex/disabled facilities for people who need these.”
“Please ensure that a safe place for our teens to get changed and shower while waiting for their parents to collect them after beach days with friends.”
Amenity:
Overall, more than half of the respondents (56%) were generally satisfied with the public toilet and change facilities at Middleton Beach, noting that small improvements could be made. Manjimup public toilets were mentioned as a precedent for good toilet design. Manjimup public toilets and Frenchman Bay were also noted as good design for universal access.
The top four improvements included:
-
- Family change facilities (58%)
- Improved lighting (43%)
- More external change space (includes hooks and bench seating) (35%)
- Lockers for public hire (34%)
“Great example of public toilets - Manjimup - Giblett St - no touch surfaces, sensor for hand soap, water and hand air dryer, high quality stainless finishes, dark surfaces to deter graffiti, easy to maintain and clean.”
Although expanding the existing building footprint is out of scope, it should be noted many additional comments related to the need for public amenity in this area, for example:
“These facilities are not coping with the expanding use especially early in the morning. Over the past 5 years I have seen a marked increase in the number of early morning swimmers…”
“Given the amount of money spent on enhancement of the Middleton Beach & on other sporting/recreational facilities, it is difficult to understand the City's lack of action on this essential facility…“
“The project is a waste of time, just a band aid solution without addressing the main problem of lack of space.”
“I have to say, that it still befuddles me that the City obtained over $10million in funding for the Middleton Beach enhancement project, yet the public facilities were ignored in this...I am so very grateful for the hot showers, but honestly, the lack of space has become the key issue for me personally...”
Accessibility:
- 25% of respondent would like to see improved accessibility to and within the public facilities and suggested the following:
- Improved signage
- larger than standard UAT
- adult change table
- sliding door or automatic opening
- 69% of respondents would use a unisex change facility (includes toilet amenity).
- There were repeated comments for lower/child friendly basins and change table.
Respondent Comments:
“It is easy to make it all unisex then everyone feels comfortable there. It helps parents of kids who are a different sex and it helps people who are tans and or non-binary to feel welcome and safe.”
“See Manjimup facilities, unisex opening directly to the outside are safer, more efficient. Most events don’t separate the sexes with the hire toilets, people are now used to this configuration.”
“Middleton needs a disabled changing area just like the one near due south. No need for more toilets and showers there are plenty in the area.”
Configuration
The community was asked to provide feedback on the ratio of toilets vs showers.
- Unisex facilities were most requested to be reviewed with 38% of respondents wanting to see more unisex change space to cater for parents and gender diverse, followed by 26% of respondents requesting unisex toilets (26%) and showers (22%).
- Although 27 respondents selected more female showers and less female toilets, 12 respondents selected there should be no change to the ratio of female showers and toilets. This was a similar response for the dedicated men’s facilities
Next Steps
A design consultant has been engaged to prepare a concept design for the refurbishment of the Public Toilets.
Construction of the works are expected to commence and be completed in the 2023/24 financial year.
Emu Point to Middleton Beach Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)
At the City of Albany Ordinary Council Meeting on the 17th December 2019, Council adopted the City’s first Final Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) for the Emu Point to Middleton Beach area. The Final CHRMAP combines all of the relevant information from the CHRMAP process into one final report, including all the relevant reports and feedback from the community. A copy of the final CHRMAP report can be found below:
CHRMAP Implementation Plan
The CHRMAP Implementation Plan is a succinct easy to read standalone document that provides an overview of the CHRMAP process and details the recommended management options for the key assets at risk.
CHRMAP Implementation Plan FINAL
CHRMAP & Appendices
CHRMAP Final
CHRMAP Appendices
Public Comment Summary and Response
Public Comment Summary and Response
The City’s Final CHRMAP report has resulted in 11 recommendations which are contained in the CHRMAP document and Implementation Plan. These recommendations will enable the City to make more informed coastal management decisions in the future and provide direction for how the City’s coastal hazard risks will be managed until the next review is required. The City’s CHRMAP will be updated and reviewed every five to ten years, and in accordance with the State Planning policy 2.6
State Planning Policy No. 2.6
State Coastal Planning Policy Guidelines
Background
The City of Albany prepared a CHRMAP for the area of coast from Ellen Cove to the Emu Point Boat Pens. The CHRMAP was completed in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.6: State Coastal policy and associated guidelines. This is the first CHRMAP that has been completed for the City of Albany.
This CHRMAP is designed to identify coastal inundation and erosion hazards for the project area and recommends controls to manage and mitigate the risks, when they should be implemented and what the impact will be in terms of effectiveness, cost environmental and social impact and reversibility.
The CHRMAP is based on extensive technical background research and investigations, community and stakeholder values and inputs, recognition of strategic planning and governance interventions available to the City and the need for culturally and economically acceptable outcomes.
CHRMAP Background Documents
Coastal Vulnerability Study Evocoast
Background Documentation Hazard Mapping Study
What's Next?
The City will continue to monitor the project area. The monitoring framework is contained within the CHRMAP document.
The City’s CHRMAP will be updated and reviewed every five to ten years, and in accordance with the State Planning Policy 2.6 and associated guidelines.
As a recommendation of the CHRMAP the City has commenced a Foreshore Management Plan for the Emu Beach area. Community Engagement will be an integral part of this project.
If you would like to be involved in further community engagement or like any more information on the above project please contact: [email protected]
CHRMAP Monitoring Plan Final
CHRMAP Monitoring Plan
City of Albany Photo Beach Monitoring
The Emu Point to Middleton Beach Photo Monitoring Program was developed in 2014 as part of the Emu Point to Middleton Beach Coastal Adaptation and Protection Strategy. This strategy covers the coastal system that includes Oyster Harbour, Emu Point and Middleton Beach. The development of the Strategy was important to gain community input; assess all previous studies; identify gaps in the data and fill them; understand the values and essential character of the coastal region; and to identify viable management options for short and long term.
The Emu Point to Middleton Beach Photo Monitoring Program is designed as a simple, inexpensive, scientifically valid, long range data gathering exercise, easily learned and maintained, easily expanded or contained, and engaging interested community members as volunteers.
Outcomes of the program include:
- Contribute to a detailed database of coastline change for the area of coast from Ellen Cove (Middleton Beach) to the Emu Point Boat Pens;
- Collect data that will inform present and future management decisions for this area of coast;
- Provide data in an easily usable, retrievable and compatible form for local, regional, state and national data gathering;
- Begin a historical process that can be taught to and handed on to future generations; and provide a model of data collection that can be applied to other areas of coastline.
This data can be viewed here:
Emu Point to Ellen Cove Beach Monitoring
Southern Ocean Surf Reef
Media Release August 2020
The Southern Ocean Surf Reef (ASR) Project aims to develop a reef structure at Middleton Beach to harness the existing wave energy and swell to produce a consistent surfable wave, designed specifically for beginner to intermediate surfers; given the lack of suitable surfing waves close to the town centre.
The concept of an artificial surf reef in Albany has been around for at least 20 years and has been heavily driven by the Albany community.
In March 2015, the City of Albany engaged specialist consultant engineers to investigate and prepare a report for the feasibility of an ASR at Middleton Beach which found that providing surfing amenity at Middleton Beach, through the construction of an ASR was feasible.
State Government committed to allocate $4.5 million towards the project, with a portion of these funds assigned in advance to commence the detailed design process, and the balance pledged for the reef’s construction. The detailed design process was completed in October 2020.
The Federal Government committed additional funding so that the estimated $11.5 million artificial surf reef can be implemented.
This funding is subject to a successful Federal assessment through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program. The City of Albany are currently awaiting fully executed funding agreement from the State Department.
Project Vision
“To create a consistent, surfable wave central to Albany, driving benefits for the community, tourism, economic development, and the retention of the region’s younger age demographic”
PROJECT PROFILE
Southern Ocean Surf Reef Community Update & FAQs
City of Albany Artificial Surf Reef Feasibility Survey Results 2016
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Executive Summary Detailed Design
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Executive Business Case 2020
COMMUNITY SURVEY 2020
The City of Albany is inviting community & visitors to share their views on the proposed Albany Artificial Surf Reef at Middleton Beach, which is currently in the project detailed design phase.
Prior to completing the survey, it is recommended that you watch the Albany Artificial Surf Reef project video in it's entirety.
This survey should take 5 minutes to complete. Your survey will be kept in confidence and used for data collection only.
Comments and survey will close on September 14, 2020.
Each completed survey will go into a draw to win a $100 voucher to a local business of their choice.
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Community Survey
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Video With Subtitles
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Video - No Subtitles
Albany Motorsport Park
Down Road, Drome
Project Outcomes
The development of a family friendly, affordable and sustainable multi-use motor sport park for the Great Southern Region, that will accommodate most motorsport disciplines and compatible sports, maximising the commercial benefits of shared facilities.
Motorsport in Albany & the surrounding areas is already known to be popular, with several well organised clubs, a national-level venue for speedway, a state-level venue for go-karts and widely recognised events such as the Albany Classic, Show ‘n Shine and Targa Albany Sprint. Some motorsport disciplines particularly motorcycle racing and motocross lack suitable regional facilities. The concept of the Albany Motorsport Park has been designed with flexibility for a variety of user groups and specifically to meet current and future safety requirements for motorcar and motorcycle racing and other compatible sports, like cycling.
Project Board
PROJECT PROFILE
Princess Royal Harbour Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)
The City of Albany in conjunction with the State Government and Southern Ports is developing a Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) to identify key assets along the coast and measures the City may take to preserve them against the impact of coastal hazards.
Study Area
The below figure illustrates the area of interest (orange line).
Climate Change and Coastal Hazards
Climate change, including rising sea levels, is predicted to increase the level of erosion of sandy coastlines and inundation (flooding) of low-lying areas.
The coastline associated with the Princess Royal Harbour is low lying and therefore may be at risk to erosion and inundation. There are pressures on the Princess Royal Harbour coastal zone for land use and development for a variety of purposes including public access, recreation, residential and industry. Governments at all levels and private parties (individuals, businesses and the community) each have important, complementary and differentiated roles in managing risk arising from coastal hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the project FAQs Here
Project Timeline
The CHRMAP will be completed in 8 Stages, with community and stakeholder engagement undertaken along the way.
Community Coastal Workshops
An important part of a CHRMAP is understanding community views and getting input into the mitigation strategies for the future. We invite you to attend one of our Community Coastal Workshops and
- Find out how sea level rise may affect the harbour coastline
- Tell us what key coastal assets are important to you
- Discuss options for protecting these assets in the future
The workshops will be held at the City of Albany offices, 102 North Road.
You can choose one of the following days to attend:
- Thursday 4 May from 6:00pm to 8:00pm OR
- Saturday 6 May from 10am to 12pm.
Register to attend the workshops here.
How has the community been involved so far?
During Stage 1, a Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan was developed in order to identify relevant stakeholders and determine the structure and pathways for their engagement throughout the CHRMAP process. The objective of the engagement process is to facilitate an understanding of coastal challenges, hazards and risks, and to select appropriate adaptation strategies to respond to the risks. The activities undertaken during this stage were: Coastal Value Survey, Information Session and Intercept Surveying, Community and Business Reference Group (CBRG), and Project Awareness Campaign.
Coastal Values Survey
A Community Values Survey was conducted with the community in February – April 2022. The survey helped to understand the coastal values of community and key stakeholders. The survey covered visitation frequency, activities undertaken, impact of coastal hazards on the community.
Key finding - If respondents were not able to reside, visit or work at the harbour, due to the impact of coastal hazards, they noted it would have an extreme impact on their life. For most other activities, if respondents were unable to do these at the harbour it would result in a significant impact to their life, indicating their strong value in the ability to interact with Princess Royal Harbour.
Community and Business Reference Group
A Community and Business Reference Group (CBRG) has been established to help guide and provide advice around key milestones of the project. The members of the CBRG were chosen via an EOI process and will act as conduits between the community and the project team, helping to share important information and knowledge both ways.
You can view the Terms of Reference for the CBRG below:
CBRG Terms of Reference
Pop Up Information Sessions
Two pop-up information sessions were held in 2022
Most participants considered it very important that in 20 years, land in the coastal zone associated with the harbour will be managed to ensure land use and development does not accelerate coastal erosion or inundation risks or have a detrimental impact on the functions of public reserves.
Download the Information Brochure here
Project Awareness
The CHRMAP will be completed in 8 stages with community and stakeholder engagement undertaken along the way.
Stages 1-3 have been completed. Refer to the following links to review reports associated with each stage.
Engagement Plan
Establish the Content
Risk Identification
Vulnerability Assessment
Hazard Area Mapping
Click on the following link to view mapping of areas potentially impacted by inundation and erosion over the next 100 years.
Hazard Area Mapping
Policy and Guidelines
The CHRMAP will be prepared in accordance with the WA Coastal Zone Strategy, the State Planning Policy 2.6 – State Coastal Planning Policy (SPP2.6) and the CHRMAP Guidelines.
Details on the strategic and policy intent can be found at the following links.
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/CST-WA_Coastal_Zone_Strategy.pdf
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/SPP-CST-SPP2-6_Policy.pdf
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/GD_CST_coastal_hazard_risk_management-guidelines-July2019.pdf
Register to stay informed
If you’d like to stay informed about the progress and engagement opportunities of this project, please register your email here
Mt Adelaide Irrerup & Mt Clarence Corndarup Trails
The City is required to provide DWER further information requested as part of the clearing permit application assessment, part of this information required was to produce a detailed design and documentation package on the alignment of the trails. A trail designer and team of environmental consultants were engaged in May 2022 to address DWERs request for information and finalise the trail alignment.
Whilst undertaking detail design of the trails and collating the additional survey information requested by DWAE a section of critical habitat was identified for protection. A minor amendment has been made to the trail corridor alignment to avoid this habitat. The corridor amendment has been submitted as a variation under the bilateral agreement.
The trail realignments have significantly reduced any impact on the habitats of protected flora and fauna. These new alignments have been developed through considerable stages of environmental assessment and in consultation with DWER and DCCEEW. The potential impacts have been further reduced by commitments the City has made for during the construction of these trails: no trees over a certain diameter will be cleared, any potential nesting hollows have been assessed, and qualified flora and fauna specialists and spotters will be on-site during any clearing works.
The City has also committed to a substantial revegetation program at the Mounts to offset any clearing carried out. This will see the rehabilitation of existing unsanctioned trails and other degraded areas.
It is key to note that the clearing envelope advertised is for the trail corridor (buffer) and not the final alignment, which will be significantly narrower and micro-sited by the environmental consultants on site.
DWER APPLICATION currently open for submissions till 15 December 2022
https://www.der.wa.gov.au/our-work/clearing-permits/clearing-permit-applications