Media Release: 17 March 2015
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River was last week announced the recipient of a prestigious national award for the recently complete $5.9m Surfers Point Redevelopment Project.
The Highly Commended accolade was received in the Planning and Management category of the 2015 Australian Coastal Awards, held as part of the Australian Coastal Councils Conference.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Chief Executive Officer Gary Evershed, who attended the main conference in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria as a guest speaker, was at the ceremony to receive the award.
“It was a great honour to be invited to speak at the Australian Coastal Councils Conference about the Surfers Point Redevelopment Project in the first instance,” he said.
“To then be announced as the recipient of a Highly Commended Australian Coastal Awards was icing on the cake.
“I’m obviously very proud of what we have achieved in Margaret River and it’s pleasing to see it being recognised as a standout project on a national stage.”
Mr Evershed said the project achieved a number of key outcomes including improved recreation space for the local community, more parking, upgraded facilities and access for people with disability.
The project also notably helped to upgrade the Margaret River Drug Aware Surf Pro event from a World Surfing League tier event to a World Championship Tour event.
“The project has provided the community with a highly usable space throughout the year,” he said.
“It’s highly functional while being respectful of the history and the culture of the precinct.
“The World Surfing League has also referred to the completed Surfers Point project as the best amphitheatre for surfing in the world.”
The Surfers Point Redevelopment Project was identified as a priority project in the Margaret River Growth Plan and Economic Development Plan.
The works were funded by the State Government Royalties for Regions SuperTowns program and the Federal Government Regional Australia Development Fund.
“The project is the result of a great team effort from Shire staff, Surfing WA, contractors and the State and Federal Governments,” Mr Evershed said.
Pictured: National Chair and City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels pictured with Shire of Augusta Margaret River Chief Executive Officer Gary Evershed.