Federal Government commits $1.6 million to Denham disaster mitigation project

The Federal Government has announced $1.6 million will go to a disaster mitigation project along the shore of Denham.

An upgraded revetment for Denham Foreshore and the town centre will be built as part of a $50 million investment by the Albanese Government for 34 projects across Australia to reduce the risks and impacts of natural disasters.

Shark Bay President Cheryl Cowell said the upgrade was needed to keep Denham prepared for the cyclones and storms that have been known to strike the region.

The current revetment was built more than 16 years ago, and no longer adequately protects the town from significant weather events, Cr Cowell said.

“That wall has been broken, and we’ve had water go up to the businesses and offices along the foreshore, so it needs upgrading,” she said.

“We’re pretty happy we’ve got this money, and hopefully this will safeguard businesses and residents for many years to go.”

Cr Cowell said Shark Bay’s council was now waiting for funding from the WA Government, and construction should take seven months once funding was secured.

In total, $19 million from this project will go to WA projects.

Federal WA Senator Louise Pratt said Australian communities needed to be prepared for climate change and the increased risk of disasters and hazards such as storm surges, coastal inundation and shoreline erosion.

“We need to be better prepared for the natural hazard induced events that we know will be coming in more frequency and more severity,” Senator Pratt said.

“Investing properly in disaster mitigation is a priority of the Albanese Government and we are very pleased that this investment will benefit key electorates in Western Australia.”