Group keen on beach boardwalks

A new community group from Point Moore has proposed beachside boardwalks that will take tourists on a scenic walk through the dunes and osprey nests, without ruining the environment.

Welcome Inc. was an initiative of volunteers from the local coastcare group a few months ago, with the idea of creating new ways for tourists to interact with the restored beachside that would not harm the fragile dune environment.

The group was collecting public feedback from locals and tourists at the Lighthouse Open Day last weekend for a potential boardwalk linking the existing beachside pathways around Point Moore.

Conservation and land management student Cameron Perrett, who was surveying lighthouse visitors for Welcome Inc., said people were fond of the idea and many were not aware of the existing beach walks Point Moore had to offer.

“The walk will go from the existing carpark next to the surf rescue building, out to the osprey nests and around the point, where there will be a little looking tower,” he said.

“It will continue back to Pages Beach out the front of the caravan park — that was a big thing for the tourists, because they all stay at Belair.”

Mr Perrett said although it was controversial, and they were still seeking community feedback, a boardwalk could also be tied to a ban on vehicles driving on the beach.

He said driving on the beach loosened the top layer of sand, which hastened erosion as the sand was blown away by the wind.

Mr Perrett had also spoken to people afraid to walk along the beach because of the volume of vehicle traffic.

Welcome Inc. co-ordinator Helen Moxham said she had spent the past eight years with the coastcare group working on protection and revegetation of the Point Moore dunes, and it was now time to start long-term planning about how to invite tourists to see more of the area.

“It’s so beautiful at Point Moore, so scenic and peaceful,” she said.

“I met a couple of tourists the other day who said: ‘I can’t believe we were going to leave on Sunday morning, we’re so glad we stayed to see the lighthouse and look around.’

“The potential to keep that lighthouse open for longer periods during the year, in combination with a walk trail like this, would have huge benefits for the community.”

Ms Moxham said the group was still in early stages of community consultation and planning, with the boardwalk plan to take five to eight years, with different sections being completed at different times, depending on which grants were available.

Those who would like to provide feedback or help with Welcome Inc.’s activities can email Ms Moxham at welcome@welcomeinc. com.au.