Swimming Enclosure Undergoing Repairs

23 May 2019

Ellen Cove’s popular swimming enclosure is undergoing repairs after a routine inspection this week found damage to a section of the barrier, but it will remain open for swimmers.

A sign is being placed at the beach today to advise swimmers the enclosure is not secure and this will remain in place until repairs can be completed.

Acting Executive Director Infrastructure and Environment Mike Richardson said the City was in discussions with contractors about the repairs.

“We’re looking at our options to re-secure the barrier now and hopefully we’ll be able to have it repaired pretty quickly,” he said.

“There is a build up of sand along the bottom of one section that is not allowing the barrier to function correctly and flex with the tides, and we’ve found a few holes we suspect have opened up from wear and tear.

“The damage has only happened recently as we are inspecting it regularly and the enclosure was in sound condition when we looked at it three weeks ago.”

Installed in March 2016, the swimming enclosure was funded with a $200,000 grant from the State Government for a three-year trial, which ended this year.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the plan was to work with contractors to extend the life of the enclosure for another 12 months while Council explores longer-term options.

“The enclosure has been a terrific exercise for the community and has been very popular down there at Middleton Beach so we’d certainly like to see something like it stay there,” he said.

“But the reality is that it is coming to the end of its life and it is an expensive proposition to replace it. We’ve been told there is no more State funding to replace it at this point in time, so we’re taking some time to look at what we can do and in the meantime working hard to maintain the enclosure for as long as we can.”

Mayor Wellington said the City would continue discussions with the State Government about funding for the enclosure.