Coastal Conversations
The local and wider community are passionate about the future of the City’s iconic locations like Mettams Pool and the ongoing impact of coastal erosion along our coastline.
Because of its inshore reef and pool, Mettams Pool is uniquely placed as one of the most accessible safe bathing areas along the City of Stirling coastline, particularly for children and families.
This is part of the reason the City has committed to hosting ongoing coastal conversations with residents and beachgoers to chat about their experiences of change along our coastline and what solutions are best for the community to preserve these most incredible natural assets.
Our most recent conversation helped identify a preferred design for the water access ramp, which will extend out from the gazebo structure currently being repaired. The City will be proceeding with the option below which provides a direct access ramp from the gazebo ramp, with a smaller footprint and impact on Mettams Pool.
In recent years the water access ramp at Mettams Pool had deteriorated and experienced several functional issues, including:
- A slippery surface, creating hazards for accessing the ramp
- A large drop off at the end of the ramp, making access into the water difficult
- Safety issues during adverse conditions, with waves breaking across and over the structure, making access hazardous
The new straight ramp will mitigate the safety concerns with waves slamming into and across the ramp, providing a safer access option under most conditions than the previous ramp configuration. The replacement ramp will also accommodate changing sand and water levels and remove the large drop off which provided an impediment to access.
The City has prepared an application for funding from the State Government to ensure the ramp is delivered next financial year.
Gazebo repairs are being delivered this financial year with completion expected by the end of March. The gazebo walls and beach access ramp were severely impacted by erosion with wall pointing eroded, wall instability and concrete slabs undermined. The repairs include demolition and reconstruction of the outer limestone wall, concrete hardstand around the inner seating area, and repair of the inner wall.
Water Access Ramp design