Construction commences on Albany Artificial Reef Project

Construction has commenced on Western Australia's artificial 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef' at Middleton Beach in Albany – aimed at attracting surfers and tourists to the Great Southern region.

It will give Albany an easily accessible surfing site close to the town centre, local businesses and amenities including the Albany Surf Life Saving Club, with surf conditions suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers.

The design provides surfing rides of up to 100 metres during average conditions, with surfable waves expected for 41% of the year over the reef, and further surfing opportunities inshore of the reef.

Currently, the closest suitable surfing locations to Albany are about 40 minutes' drive away.

Local quarried rock and specialist marine equipment is being moved to be used during the construction period from January to March.

This will involve the placement of rocks on the seabed floor of the artificial reef location, about 140 metres offshore.

The Western Australian Government is contributing $4.75 million towards the build being managed by project contractor Heron Construction Limited. The project is being delivered by the City of Albany and has also secured funds from the Federal Government and local funding sources.

The project at Middleton Beach in Albany is anticipated to become a significant recreational and tourism asset.

Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens shared "I have been working closely with the City of Albany, along with the Albany Boardriders club and Surfing WA to make this project a reality.

"I thank the local surfing community for their dedication to bringing an accessible surfing site close to town.

"The Albany Boardriders and Surfing WA have already committed to holding surf competitions at the site, which is set to become a unique and accessible tourism drawcard for the Great Southern region."

The project is due for completion by mid-2025.

Image. Credit: City of Albany