The existing river timber wall at Kings Meadow, Guildford has failed, leading to erosion that poses a safety risk to the public. Currently, a temporary fence keeps people safe from the affected shoreline.

In 2022 and 2023, City staff worked with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to consult the community and local Whadjuk people on multiple design elements that would inform the development of a site masterplan at Kings Meadow Reserve, Guildford. The City consulted based on several layouts and scenarios including 'do nothing', 'managed retreat with new masterplan', 'sheet pile wall replacement with modern construction methods' and 'a previous sheet pile masterplan’.

The main themes of previous consultation related to treating the foreshore erosion, improving water access and amenities, maintaining the reserve's environmental value, use and location of the playground and carpark, walking and picnic facilities and the provision of a lookout node.

An updated reserve master plan and a concept design for erosion control through managed retreat was developed in 2023 based on feedback from the community, local Whadjuk people, DBCA and technical advice from marine engineers. Managed retreat recognises that erosion is a natural river process that can be slowed down through soft engineering and shoreline revegetation. This management method is compliant with DBCA’s statutory requirements and best practice in foreshore restoration and has been endorsed by the local Whadjuk people. Managed retreat as part of a wider masterplan is the only option supported by DBCA.

Previous proposals to address the shoreline erosion were considered by Council at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on April 6, 2022 and July 10, 2024.

You can view the proposed plan under the Masterplan section on this webpage. Please provide any comments by September 1, 2024