Geraldton council divided on car access to Point Moore, status quo remains

Beach access for cars in Geraldton’s Point Moore was a hot topic of discussion for councillors at this week’s council meeting.

Proposals for both the beach’s boom gates to be opened, and for them to be closed for the next 12 months, were rejected, and almost an hour of debate ended with the status quo intact.

Boom gates at Point Moore have been closed since they were installed in June 2022, preventing cars from accessing the beach, to protect the area’s dunes and wildlife.

A motion put forward by City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn at the Tuesday meeting called for the gates to be opened for the rest of autumn and then closed during winter, when erosion to the dunes is most severe.

Mr Van Styn said the impact of four-wheel driving on the beach over the next few months would likely not be significant, compared to weather events during winter, and that it would be a “kneejerk reaction” to prevent cars from accessing the beach because of the reckless behaviour of some drivers.

“When I look at the damage that is caused by 4WD … in comparison the biggest cause of damage in my years has been Mother Nature,” he said.

With the future of Point Moore in doubt as it continues to face erosion, Mr Van Styn said the community should take advantage of the beach while it was still there.

“Please allow people to enjoy a bit of the beach while we still have it for the school holidays,” he said.

The motion was opposed 8-2, with environmental impact a major concern.

Councillor Victor Tanti said the car ban had been a a great benefit for Point Moore’s ecosystem, and that there were more birds, crabs and vegetation on the dunes than he had ever seen before.

“There has been a lot of recovery, but there is still a way to go,” he said.

Some members of the public spoke on the topic, with some in favour of the motion, and some supporting a continued closure.

Cr Tanti made an alternative proposal, calling for the gates to be closed for the year, to give Point Moore time to recover during the summer after the winter erosion.

In turn, an amendment to reduce this period to six months was proposed by Councillor Kim Parker, however this was rejected 7-3.

Mr Van Styn opposed Cr Tanti’s motion, which he said was too much of a commitment without knowing how the weather would impact Point Moore over the next year.

The council was divided on Cr Tanti’s proposal 5-5, and as the Mayor’s vote became the deciding say, the motion was rejected.

With all proposals rejected, the current system for Point Moore’s gate management remained, and the power to open the gate will continue to be one for City staff.

The gates will likely remain closed until after winter.