Published on Monday, 1 December 2025 at 8:35:17 AM
The City of Albany is inviting community feedback on the Ellen Cove swimming enclosure at Binalup / Middleton Beach as Council considers its long-term maintenance and repair.
Installed in 2016 with State Government funding, the enclosure has become a feature at Binalup / Middleton Beach. However, the cost of upkeep, repairs and future replacement now falls to the City.
In May this year, a major swell event caused significant damage to the enclosure, and Council approved $100,000 for urgent repairs at its July meeting to restore the damaged sections.
As part of the same decision, Council requested community and stakeholder engagement to help inform future decision-making about the long-term viability of the enclosure.
A short online survey will be open throughout December 2025 and January 2026, with nearby businesses also contacted for input.
Mayor Greg Stocks said it was important to understand how much the community values the enclosure.
“Binalup / Middleton Beach is one of Albany’s most iconic locations, and the Ellen Cove swimming enclosure has become a regular feature for many,” he said.
“Council wants to understand the community’s connection to this asset, including how often it is used, whether it creates a sense of safety, and whether it is something worth continuing to invest in.
“We need to know if the benefit it brings is worth the cost of keeping it there.”
The feedback collected will be used to guide a report that will be tabled at the February Ordinary Council Meeting.
The survey takes around five minutes to complete and is available at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/FHTBVTF. The Survey closes at 5pm on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
A full replacement of the enclosure was carried out in 2020/21 at a cost of $343,000, including a $200,000 contribution from the State Government. The City budgets $150,000 per annum for ongoing capital and maintenance costs, with full replacement expected approximately every five years.
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