The WA Government has officially opened the Southern Ocean Surf Reef site in Albany.
The artificial reef offers an accessible surfing site offshore from Middleton Beach at Albany and will create a more consistent quality, surfable wave for surfers with beginner to intermediate abilities, along with advanced surfers on larger swells, said WA Acting Great Southern and Tourism Minister, Don Punch.
“The Southern Ocean Surf Reef project will add yet another outdoor attraction for visitors to the diverse Great Southern,” said Mr Punch.
“The reef has quickly become popular with a wide range of users, from school groups and beginner surfers to experienced riders enjoying larger swells.
“Community feedback has been very positive, with local surfers praising the increase in waves and quality both on the reef and close to shore.”
The Australian Government contributed $5 million and the WA Government $4.75 million towards the build, delivered by the City of Albany Council and managed by project contractor, Heron Construction Limited.
The project also secured financial support from local funding sources.
Specialist marine equipment was required for the complex build with local quarried rocks used on the seabed floor of the artificial reef location.
The design provides surfing rides of up to 100 metres during average conditions, with surfable waves expected for more than 40 per cent of the year over the reef, with further surfing opportunities inshore of the reef.
“Middleton Beach is a much-loved destination for both locals and tourists and this new artificial surf reef is an exciting addition,” said Federal Acting Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Julie Collins.
“This project will cater to surfers of all levels by creating safer and more consistent surf conditions, unlike some of the more challenging breaks in the area. It’s a terrific project and our government is very proud to have supported it.”
WA Regional Development Minister, Stephen Dawson congratulated City of Albany Council, Albany Boardriders, and Surfing WA, which he said had helped make a vision for an accessible surfing site close to town a reality.
“The Southern Ocean Surf Reef is set to become a significant recreational and tourism asset for the Great Southern,” said Mr Dawson.
WA Senator, Varun Ghosh (pictured with a local surfer to yesterday’s opening) said the recreational infrastructure will help to nurture Albany’s surfing community and contribute to local health and wellbeing.
“Year-round access to a high-quality swell opens the door for Albany to become a popular destination for surfing competitions and events,” he said.Â
“Surfers in Albany can now do what they love without needing to travel out of town to unpatrolled and isolated beaches.”
