Federal election 2025: Peter Dutton ups ante to win seat of Curtin with funding for Cottesloe foreshore fix

Stalled plans for the redevelopment of Cottesloe Beach — one of most iconic locations in WA — have received a $10m boost as Liberal leader Peter Dutton ups the ante in the fight to win the crucial seat of Curtin. Mr Dutton and his candidate Tom White have promised to pay for one-third of the expected $30 million cost of the redevelopment of Perth’s premier foreshore if the Coalition wins government on May 3. The Liberals’ decision to promise funding for the redevelopment follows years of disinterest from State and Federal Labor governments to help pay for the fix. Efforts by sitting independent MP Kate Chaney have not succeeded, almost certainly a major factor in the Liberals’ decision to target the project as it aims to unseat her. “This project is about restoring pride in one of Perth’s most iconic locations,” Mr Dutton told The Sunday Times, adding the masterplan had “strong support” from residents and businesses. “It has the potential to boost local businesses, improve environmental resilience and reconnect the community with this treasured local landmark.” A six-year-old Cottesloe Foreshore Masterplan, commissioned by the Town of Cottesloe, continues to gather dust because of a lack of funding. The cost of the redevelopment — which makes the area a far more attractive and visitor-friendly precinct — was two years ago put at about $22 million, with the council committing several million dollars and hoping State and Federal governments would kick in. But so far that hasn’t happened. Sources say the current cost of the project is now at about $30 million. Ms Chaney has previously said she had sought Federal funding for the redevelopment. Mr White said the time had come for the world-renowned beach to receive Federal and State attention, pointing out fact some of the ageing infrastructure was falling apart. Just recently, the stairs from Cottesloe Beach’s main carpark, along with four bays and part of the footpath and grass terrace, were closed by the Town of Cottesloe because of safety concerns. Grout had to be injected into a limestone wall that was falling to pieces. Mr White, said the funding would transform the area surrounding the historic Indiana Teahouse, significantly enhancing tourism and accessibility. “When people around the world Google Perth, Cottesloe Beach is one of the first things they see — but the foreshore is crumbling. “I live down the road in Swanbourne and run along Marine Parade regularly and I’ve seen the decay firsthand. “This investment will revitalise the area, making it something we can be proud of once again.” Stage 1 of the redevelopment would focus on landscaping improvements, upgrades for pedestrian and cycling paths, additional public seating, and better integration between the beach and surrounding precinct, to create a contemporary coastal experience for future generations. “This is about building a foreshore worthy of Cottesloe’s iconic status,” Mr White said. Newly elected State Liberal member for Cottesloe Sandra Brewer campaigned for the foreshore to be redeveloped, during her recent state Election campaign. She urged the State Government to come good with state funding. “It’s time for the Cook Labor government to acknowledge the considerable tourism benefits of fixing the Cottesloe Foreshore and commit to this project,” she said.