Nationals WA leader Shane Love has called for a clear construction time line to replace the Hamelin Pool boardwalk, which has been closed for five years.

The closure has left tourists straining to get a glimpse of the area’s unique stromatolites.

The underwater stromatolites are layered sedimentary formations made up of mostly by microorganisms, and have been on this planet for between 3.5 billion and 700 million years.

Outlasting the dinosaurs, the stromatolites are a significant tourism draw and a unique feature of the WA coastline, which could previously be viewed up close on a boardwalk.

The 200m boardwalk was damaged by cyclone Seroja in April 2021, making it unsafe to use.

“Shark Bay is home to one of the most unique and scientifically significant attractions in the world, yet visitors are still unable to properly experience the stromatolites because of ongoing delays to the boardwalk,” Mr Love said.

The Shark Bay website advises bringing binoculars or a telophoto lens to see the stromatolites.

Visitors can view them from on land behind a temporary fence.

In February 2022, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions conducted an assessment of the damaged structure and evaluate replacement or repair options. The assessment found complete replacement was the most viable option.

The State Government has committed $4.6 million to replace the boardwalk but the project has been severely delayed.

Mr Love has called for the State Government and Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn to provide a clear time line for the project’s completion.

He said he had been told by the minister’s officer construction was estimated to be completed by the end of this year, after tenders for the rebuild closed in December.

“There is no question this is a delicate environment that must be protected, but that cannot be used as an excuse for poor project management and drawn-out time lines,” Mr Love said.

Mr Swinbourn’s office did not provide a response when asked when the boardwalk would be replaced or the reason for the project’s delay.