Exmouth’s Town Beach upgrade secures $470,000 in funding for Ningaloo Eclipse legacy project

The long awaited revitalisation of Exmouth’s Town Beach will be the first project off the ground as the town begins upgrades to support the massive influx of visitors for a rare total eclipse.

The State Government announced on April 20 it would invest $21 million in planning and infrastructure upgrades for Exmouth in the lead-up to the April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse.

The town will be one of the only land-based places in the world to witness the rare phenomenon.

On April 23 the Shire of Exmouth confirmed the Town Beach Upgrade would be the first project to hit the ground running with $470,000 in funding provided by the State Government.

The project has also received funding from BHP with $450,000 and $278,000 from the Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The design was endorsed by the Shire of Exmouth at the June council meeting and will include closing the existing road and building a new boardwalk with room for food vans.

Other aspects of the design include an alfresco area with picnic tables as well as a grassed eating space and barbecue area.

According to a Shire officers’ report conflict between vehicles and pedestrians had put the current site under increased strain.

Shire president Darlene Allston said the Town Beach precinct upgrade was a project with long-term benefits for the town.

“The highly accessible beach within the townsite is a hotspot for young families and will be more vibrant, safer and used by many people to come. Long after the Ningaloo Eclipse Event,” she said.

“Detailed talks about projects, possible events and much-needed infrastructure upgrades have been ongoing for several years.

“The Exmouth Shire identified accommodation, hospitality and infrastructural challenges which have to be overcome to ensure a safe and positive experience for visitors and locals alike —and to avoid reputational or irreversible environmental damages,” she said.

In a video, Ms Allstone said tenders would be released in the “coming weeks”.