Current Projects
Albany Local Biodiversity Strategy
The City of Albany is developing a Biodiversity Strategy to facilitate the protection, enhancement and linkage of local natural areas. The strategy will assist the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into planning and decision-making processes which are under the control of the City of Albany. This will support the protection of the natural environment and maintain a high diversity of flora and fauna in the municipality.
Progress Report - updated 20 Nov 2024
Community survey completed.
First of three workshops completed. The first workshop sought to capture key biodiversity values.
A second workshop is scheduled for Thursday 5th December (5-7pm CoA Civic Rooms).
The second workshop proposes to identify priority criteria for inclusion in the draft Local Biodiversity Strategy.
The below provides a staging plan for the development of the strategy.
1. Study Area
The project area for the Local Biodiversity Strategy encompasses the entire municipality of the City of Albany. The focus will be on areas which do not already have conservation protection (i.e. not National Parks and Nature Reserves). However, all natural areas will be considered in the context of biodiversity, linkage and overall values.
2. Project Scope
The strategy development is guided by 'An Introduction to Local Biodiversity Planning for Local Government in the South-west of Western Australia' (Western Australian Local Government Association, 2023).
WALGA LBP Overview 2023
Activities will include:
- Identification and assessment of biodiversity values for Local Natural Areas.
- Establish criteria and a priority framework for areas of high conservation value.
- Identification of opportunities and constraints to biodiversity protection.
- Identify ways to achieve local biodiversity conservation.
- Identify conservation objectives and targets.
- Prepare draft local biodiversity strategy for public input.
- Prepare final version of the local biodiversity strategy for adoption by Albany City Council.
3. Community Stakeholder Group
The City has invited representatives from the following organisations to form a Community Stakeholder Group to provide diverse perspectives, local insights and technical input throughout the strategy development process.
- Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation;
- Wildflower Society (Albany);
- Birdlife WA;
- Torbay Catchment Group;
- Oyster Harbour Catchment Group;
- Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee;
- Friends of Yakamia Forest;
- UWA;
- Gondwana Link;
- South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc.;
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions;
- Department of Water and Environmental Regulation;
- Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage;
- Western Australian Local Government Association; and
- Individuals with an interest in local biodiversity.
4. Community and stakeholder engagement
The project includes a stakeholder engagement plan, which seeks to:
- Establish engagement objectives;
- Identify key stakeholders;
- Outline types and level of engagement; and
- Detail the actions proposed over the project timeframe.
Link to adopted stakeholder engagement plan.
Engagement Plan
A community survey has been undertaken to determine community sentiment about biodiversity protection.
Key findings included:
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Survey Effort
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- The high number of responses received (693), and effort taken to complete the survey signify that Biodiversity and Urban Forest are important community issues.
- Responses received from 42 localities within the City of Albany, with 84% stating that they lived in urban Albany.
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Biodiversity Conservation
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- 93% of respondents feel that biodiversity conservation in the City of Albany is Important to Very Important
- There was a strong desire amongst respondents for better protections on native bushland with the municipality.
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Biodiversity Loss
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- 96% of respondents are concerned about biodiversity loss within the City of Albany
- 56.7% of respondents believe that biodiversity is Declining or Declining Significantly in the City of Albany
- The highest perceived threats by respondents were:
o Clearing for land subdivision
o Non-native animals (feral cats, foxes, rabbits)
o Weeds
o Dieback
o Tree canopy loss
o Climate change impacts
- Uncontrolled pet cats was also a concern for multiple respondents in the open-ended response.
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Biodiversity Values
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- The highest ranked values for biodiversity were:
o To preserve the biodiversity of life and ecosystem processes
o Living close to nature
o The role biodiversity plays in mitigating climate change
- Respondents recognise the value of native vegetation for preserving and enhancing corridors or wildlife and protecting plants, animals and other organisms.
- Respondents value the location of native vegetation for enhancing biodiversity values.
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Actions by the City of Albany
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- Strong support for more action by the City of Albany to protect biodiversity.
- In general, there was slightly higher support for direct actions such as managing weeds and pests and slightly less support for changes to policy and community education. The exception was for the Council to consider nature and biodiversity in all decision making. 85% of respondents believed this was Very Important which was the highest ranked action.
- Concerns included:
o The council would take away rights of property owners to manage vegetation on their private property.
o Biodiversity values would take precedence over bushfire management and safety.
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Community survey results
5. Assessment of Biodiversity
A desktop assessment and GIS modelling will be undertaken to identify biodiversity values of existing local natural areas across the municipality
A review of existing data will allow for information to be considered in the framework of current legislation, identify gaps in knowledge, and identify opportunities and constraints.
6. Opportunities and constraints to biodiversity conservation
The assessment of biodiversity values will be in collaboration with a Steering Committee and the Community Stakeholder Group.
The Strategy will concentrate on matters where the City of Albany has planning control, with a focus on natural areas with a low level of protection. Special attention will be given to areas identified in the current Albany local planning strategies and schemes for future development and areas identified for recreation and tourism. Some key considerations for the assessment may include:
- Potential for conflicts and impacts associated with surrounding land uses by reviewing:
- Local and State Planning Schemes and Policies
- Proximity to sensitive land uses, environmentally sensitive areas and buffer zones
- Identifying key physical characteristics such as:
- Geology, geomorphology/landform and soils
- Wetlands and other surface water features (if any present)
- Habitat/native vegetation connectivity and linkage throughout the municipality
- Describing biological values (flora and fauna) and other sensitive areas including:
- Vegetation/flora/fauna habitat present
- Potential conservation significant flora, fauna and vegetation (Threatened Ecological Communities)
- Bushfire risk
- Heritage values including Aboriginal and European Heritage
7. Establish criteria and a priority framework for the identification of areas of high conservation value
In collaboration with the Community and Stakeholder Group, criteria will be established to determine the value of local natural areas as high, medium or low conservation value.
A framework will be established to assign priority levels for areas identified as high conservation value and potential protection and management opportunities for these areas will be identified.
8. Draft Local Biodiversity Strategy
The findings and recommendations will be used to develop the draft Local Biodiversity Strategy in accordance with WALGA Guidelines. This will be in collaboration with a Project Steering Committee.
The draft Local Biodiversity Strategy will be presented to the Community Stakeholder Group and Elected members through workshops and formal advertising of the draft strategy (including public information sessions).
Link to Draft Local Biodiversity Strategy...not yet available
9. Final Local Biodiversity Strategy
Based on the submissions and comments received when the draft local biodiversity strategy is
presented and advertised, a Final Version of the Strategy will be developed.
This will be prepared in consultation with the Steering Committee and will reflect modifications based on submissions.
Once the final Local Biodiversity Strategy has been prepared, information will be presented in a workshop to the Elected Members. This will aim to seek support for the final draft strategy and progress to formal adoption of the Local Biodiversity Strategy by the Council.
Link to Final Local Biodiversity Strategy...not yet available
Albany Regional Tennis Centre - Stage 1
BACKGROUND
The delivery of Albany Regional Tennis Centre will see Merrifield Park Tennis Club and Lawley Park Tennis Club amalgamate to form the Albany Tennis Club.
The overarching purpose of the project is to develop a 16-court regional tennis centre, as a multi-stage project in the Eastern Precinct of the Centennial Park Sporting complex.
Stage 1 will involve the construction of 6 courts and the implementation of a court booking system.
Should future funding allow, additional stages will include: an additional 10 tennis courts, flood lighting and extension to the existing shared clubroom facilities.
OBJECTIVES
The main project objectives are:
- Increased participation in tennis with new local and state event opportunities.
- Encouraging social and sporting club growth to further develop local community spirit, pride, participation, and activity.
- Complement and build on the recently completed and well-developed sporting infrastructure throughout the Centennial Park Precinct.
SCOPE
Stage 1 will involve:
- Construction of 6 x ITF minimum standard Tennis Courts.
- A book-a-court system (enabling the community to book courts via a mobile application at any time.
- Associated infrastructure including fencing, poles, nets etc.
- Storm water and drainage works.
FUNDING
The total project value is $1.325M and has been funded from the following organisations:
- Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
- Great Southern Development Commission
- City of Albany
- Tennis Australia
TIMING
Construction is expected to commence in February 2024.
The community be regularly updated with progress and disruption notices during construction.
Project Information Board _ Albany Regional Tennis Centre - Stage 1
Youth Challenge Park - Multi-Use Court
Youth Challenge Park (Centennial Park Youth Precinct) seeks to create an intergenerational community activity hub connected to the wider Centennial Precinct, focused on unstructured and accessible recreation types. Following completion and opening of Challenge Park to the public in 2021, a funding strategy was identified for the last remaining phase of the project – the Multi Use Court – involving municipal and state funding sources.
The creation of a high quality environment that will encourage and support youth focused and youth-friendly year round seasonal programs and events that celebrate diversity, identity and self-expression and encourage connectivity. The multi-use court will be the only outdoor, full size basketball court in Albany freely accessible for the community, and will breakdown barriers of affordability and provide disadvantaged youth with a space they can participate and engage in positive sporting activities.
Construction has commenced and is expected to be completed by May 2025
Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study
The City of Albany is undertaking a feasibility study into Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) and is seeking community feedback from users, spectators, parents, and community groups from across the region.
The study by Otium Planning Group will assess current and future demand on ALAC and whether the current level of service is sufficient to meet user needs and expectations.
Featuring a pool, gym, indoor courts, creche and café, ALAC is the City’s busiest community facility with more than 500,000 visits annually and is an important community hub for leisure, health, recreation and networking.
A survey is being conducted as part of the study, inviting everyone who has an interest in ALAC to share their views and help guide the study’s recommendations.
This survey will be open until 2 August 2023. To complete the survey, please click the link below:
ALAC Feasibility Survey
Click here to read the media release.
Albany Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment
BACKGROUND
ASLSC provides a highly valued community service for Albany and the Great Southern in the delivery of lifesaving, emergency response, first aid, training and education, and intergenerational sport, recreation, and community events.
In response to the recent infrastructure upgrades within the Middleton Beach Precinct and growing memberships, ASLSC undertook a review of its strategic vision to address several pressing challenges and opportunities affecting its future.
The expansion and redevelopment of the existing club house was identified as a key project to be delivered as part of the ASLSC Strategic Plan to provide:
- A safer, more efficient, and welcoming community facility:
- Improved lifesaving and water safety operations; and
- Increased community engagement through new training and education spaces.
OBJECTIVES
The main project objectives are:
- To address key safety risks related to the access and storage of motorised water safety equipment,
- To improve the safety, capacity and efficiency of core delivery areas – lifesaving, emergency services, training and education, surf sports and competition, community capacity building;
- To increase community benefit – improving the quality, capacity and accessibility of community facilities and services; and
- To assist City of Albany meet growing community demand at Middleton Beach and support the Foreshore and Activity Centre redevelopment goals and community strategic plans.
SCOPE
The scope of work comprises of:
- The expansion and separation of motorised water safety equipment and surf sports equipment.
- A centralised and dedicated life saving hub
- A new community meeting spaces to support community events and meeting activities. It is envisaged that community groups will be able to book this space at minimal cost – as opposed to booking the whole venue.
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms are located next to the ASLSC building, and do not form part of this project’s scope. There is currently a project underway to refurbish the Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms. Click here to find out more.
FUNDING
- WA Govt - DLGSCI
- Lotterywest
- City of Albany
- Albany Surf Lifesaving Club
PROJECT PROFILE
TIMING
Construction is expected to commence in February 2024 with completion expected to be towards to end of 2024. During construction, the ASLSC building will not be available for use by community user groups. The adjacent public toilets and footpaths may also be unavailable for a short period of time during construction. Temporary facilities will be provided. The community be regularly updated with progress and disruption notices during construction period.
Concept Only H+H Architects
MIDDLETON BEACH PUBLIC AMENITIES
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets & Changerooms are located next to the ASLSC building, and do not form part of this (ASLSC Redevelopment ) project’s scope. A project brief is attached to this page.
Middleton Beach Public Amenities & Changerooms Refurbishment
BACKGROUND
The City of Albany maintains public open space infrastructure to ensure amenities are easy to access for everyone and encourage the use and enjoyment of public places by all members of the community. This includes people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, older people, young people and families.
The Middleton Beach Public Toilets and Changerooms facility is highly used by the community and visitors but is an aging asset that does not meet current standards for accessibility. Refurbishment of the Middleton Beach Public Toilets and Changerooms is due to commence in February 2024. The refurbishment project will ensure access to safe, clean, and accessible public toilets for our residents and tourists visiting Middleton Beach.
Middleton Beach Public Toilets Consultation Summary Nov 22
OBJECTIVES
Safety
- Prioritise the safety of all public toilet and changeroom users. Incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to minimise opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour
Accessibility
- Ensure the public facilities meet current standards for accessibility. Ensure compliance with relevant standards and other best practice accessibility guidelines.
Inclusion
- Incorporate best practice design principles to meet the needs of all residents and visitors, of all ages and abilities.
- Cater for gender inclusiveness and family friendly facilities.
Best Practice Design
- Incorporate appropriate fixtures that are durable, robust, and easy to maintain.
- Design to be responsive to the local context and character to integrate with recent and future development works occurring in the Middleton Beach precinct.
- Balance current and future community needs and expectations to ensure Middleton Beach continues to be a premier destination for locals and visitors.
SCOPE
The refurbishment will provide high quality and compliant toilet and change facilities for use by all members of the community and visitors. Works will involve:
- Replacement of old fixtures and fittings including toilet pans, shower roses, sinks, baby change, hooks and bench seating.
- Construction of a compliant Universal Access Toilet (UAT) to replace the existing non-compliant facility.
- Public open space improvements including widened under covered area, more seating, bag hooks, improved lighting and security.
The refurbishment is limited to works within the existing building footprint. This is due to site and budget constraints however, there is an opportunity to review the ratio of toilets, showers and change space within the existing footprint.
FUNDING
This refurbishment project will be funded from the City of Albany Capital Works Budget.
TIMING
Works are expected to commence in February 2024 and be completed by July 2024.
Southern Ocean Surf Reef
Media Release August 2020
The Southern Ocean Surf Reef (ASR) Project aims to develop a reef structure at Middleton Beach to harness the existing wave energy and swell to produce a consistent surfable wave, designed specifically for beginner to intermediate surfers; given the lack of suitable surfing waves close to the town centre.
The concept of an artificial surf reef in Albany has been around for at least 20 years and has been heavily driven by the Albany community.
In March 2015, the City of Albany engaged specialist consultant engineers to investigate and prepare a report for the feasibility of an ASR at Middleton Beach which found that providing surfing amenity at Middleton Beach, through the construction of an ASR was feasible.
State Government committed to allocate $4.5 million towards the project, with a portion of these funds assigned in advance to commence the detailed design process, and the balance pledged for the reef’s construction. The detailed design process was completed in October 2020.
The Federal Government committed additional funding so that the estimated $11.5 million artificial surf reef can be implemented.
This funding is subject to a successful Federal assessment through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program. The City of Albany are currently awaiting fully executed funding agreement from the State Department.
Project Vision
“To create a consistent, surfable wave central to Albany, driving benefits for the community, tourism, economic development, and the retention of the region’s younger age demographic”
PROJECT PROFILE
Southern Ocean Surf Reef Community Update & FAQs
City of Albany Artificial Surf Reef Feasibility Survey Results 2016
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Executive Summary Detailed Design
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Executive Business Case 2020
COMMUNITY SURVEY 2020
The City of Albany is inviting community & visitors to share their views on the proposed Albany Artificial Surf Reef at Middleton Beach, which is currently in the project detailed design phase.
Prior to completing the survey, it is recommended that you watch the Albany Artificial Surf Reef project video in it's entirety.
This survey should take 5 minutes to complete. Your survey will be kept in confidence and used for data collection only.
Comments and survey will close on September 14, 2020.
Each completed survey will go into a draw to win a $100 voucher to a local business of their choice.
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Community Survey
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Video With Subtitles
Albany Artificial Surf Reef Video - No Subtitles
Albany Motorsport Park
Down Road, Drome
Project Outcomes
The development of a family friendly, affordable and sustainable multi-use motor sport park for the Great Southern Region, that will accommodate most motorsport disciplines and compatible sports, maximising the commercial benefits of shared facilities.
Albany has a rich history in motorsport dating back to the 1930’s. This project provides an appropriate recreational facility to cater for the current and future growth of motorsport in the Great Southern.
Motorsport in Albany & the surrounding areas is already known to be popular, with several well organised clubs, a national-level venue for speedway, a state-level venue for go-karts and widely recognised events such as the Albany Classic, Show ‘n Shine and Targa Albany Sprint. Some motorsport disciplines particularly motorcycle racing and motocross lack suitable regional facilities. The concept of the Albany Motorsport Park has been designed with flexibility for a variety of user groups and specifically to meet current and future safety requirements for motorcar and motorcycle racing and other compatible sports, like cycling.
Stage1A of the Albany Motorsport Park, the construction of the Motocross Track, Club Rooms, Offroad precinct & associated infrastructure has been operational since July 2024.
Albany Motorsport Venue Inc. (AMV) are the operating body of the venue, future events and programming will be advertised and updated through the AMV website. https://albanymotorsportpark.com.au/index.html
PROJECT PROFILE
COMMUNITY UPDATE
SURVEY - ALBANY MOTORSPORT PARK
The City of Albany is conducting a survey on behalf of the operator, Albany Motorsport Venue Inc in relation to the new Albany Motorsport Park development.
Please take the time to provide your feedback – the survey can be found here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D5KR5DB
Survey responses will close on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.
Princess Royal Harbour Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)
The City of Albany in conjunction with the Community, the State Government and Southern Ports, has developed a DRAFT Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP).
The DRAFT CHRMAP has been developed to increase knowledge and understanding of coastal hazard risks pertaining to the Princess Royal Harbour and to identify risk management and adaptation measures for implementation.
The DRAFT CHRMAP is being displayed in two formats:
- Summary CHRMAP document for advertising purposes
- Technical CHRMAP
Summary CHRMAP document
A summary CHRMAP document has been developed for advertising purposes.
This summary document seeks to increase knowledge and understanding of coastal hazard risks pertaining to the Princess Royal Harbour and to identify risk management and adaptation measures for implementation. The draft recommendations for managing coastal processes associated with the Princess Royal Harbour into the future include:
- Protecting potential erosion areas via sand nourishment.
- Protecting potential inundation areas via the development of levees.
This summary document includes a proposed funding mechanism for proposed protection works. The funding mechanism works off a beneficiary pays principle. Beneficiaries are likely to include:
- State Government
- Business and Industry
- Private landholders
- Local community
- Broader community
The summary CHRMAP document is located here....not yet completed
DRAFT Technical CHRMAP and background reports
The DRAFT Technical CHRMAP document and background reports are located below....click on green tabs.
Note: the DRAFT Technical CHRMAP is to be updated to identify how funding for any coastal protection works should be organised.
The development of the CHRMAP adheres to the Western Australian Planning Commission (2019) CHRMAP guidelines with scope and deliverables consistent with their objectives and the State Planning Policy 2.6 – Coastal Planning (SPP2.6).
The CHRMAP area was broken into five (5) Management Unit (MU) areas. Assessment and recommendations were made for each MU area. Detailed implementation recommendations for each MU are presented at Table 8-5 of the Technical CHRMAP.
Engagement Plan
Establish the Content
Risk Identification
Vulnerability Assessment
Advertising/Submissions
The City is undertaken the following advertising measures:
- Notification on the City’s website
- Documentation available at the City’s administration building
- Notice published in the local newspaper
- Letter to agencies, key stakeholders and landholders
- Comments via an online submission tool
Submissions on the CHRMAP and including funding mechanism, may be lodged via the online submission form (see link below) before the Yet to be confirmed (date) and must include:
- Email
- The name and address of the person making the submission
- Details of the submission
To complete the online submission form, click on the link below:
Yet to be completed
To ensure concerns and aspirations are understood and considered, City of Albany Officers are available to explain the CHRMAP and to answer questions (phone 68203050, Email [email protected]).
Policy and Guidelines
The CHRMAP has been prepared in accordance with the WA Coastal Zone Strategy, the State Planning Policy 2.6 – State Coastal Planning Policy (SPP2.6) and the CHRMAP Guidelines.
Details on the strategic and policy intent can be found at the following links.
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/CST-WA_Coastal_Zone_Strategy.pdf
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/SPP-CST-SPP2-6_Policy.pdf
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-07/GD_CST_coastal_hazard_risk_management-guidelines-July2019.pdf
Mt Adelaide Irrerup & Mt Clarence Corndarup Trails
As of January 2024, the State and Federal governments have approved a clearing permit for construction of the Albany Heritage Park Link Trails project. This permit has been several years in the making, with a considerable history of specialist assessments informing the revision of the trails footprint and then subsequently amending detailed sections further to reduce impacts on environmental values.
The Link Trails project comprises the rationalisation of the existing trails network at the Mounts. This will be through closure and revegetation of around 1ha of existing unsanctioned trails, combined with the creation of a trails network from existing trails and pathways augmented by new trails constructed to best-practice standards. The finished network will comprise 8 km of single-use walk trails, 10km of family-friendly mountain bike trails, and almost 5 km of sealed dual use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. Detailed design has been completed to site trails away from flora and fauna habitats and ensure best-practice standards.
The project also comprises a revegetation and conservation package within the Albany Heritage Park.
The next steps for the project will be the finalisation of the clearing permit, and then the City will move into the procurement phase for construction of the trails.