Surf's up for Albany artificial reef project

• Cook Government welcomes progress towards the 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef'
• The reef at Middleton Beach will attract surfers and tourists to the Albany area
• Process to engage a lead contractor now underway

The $11.75 million 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef' is one step closer to reality, with an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process now underway to build the much-anticipated project at Middleton Beach in Albany.

The Cook Government is contributing $4.75 million towards the build, which is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

The project, being delivered by the City of Albany, has also secured funds from the Federal Government and local funding sources.

The 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef' is set to attract keen surfers and tourists to the State's south coast, and will give Albany an accessible surfing site close to the CBD, local businesses and amenities including the Albany Surf Life Saving Club.

The artificial surf reef, to be constructed from local quarried rock, will improve the seabed conditions and resulting wave breaking character to create a more consistent quality, surfable wave for a range of target surfer groups from beginner to intermediate abilities.

Currently, the closest suitable surfing locations are approximately 40 minutes' drive from the Albany CBD.

The EOI is the first stage of a process to engage a lead contractor for the construction of the reef, which includes rock quarrying, rock placement and marine support works.

Quotes attributable to Premier Roger Cook:

"My Government is committed to delivering quality tourism infrastructure, to create long term jobs and economic growth in regional WA.

"The 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef' will build on Albany's reputation as world class destination, and deliver a boost for local businesses.

"The surf conditions will be suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, and will also appeal to younger surfers looking for a consistent wave that is easily accessible from town."

Quotes attributable to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"It is great to see this initiative being driven by the local community which is set to become a unique and accessible tourism drawcard for the Great Southern region.

"The Albany Boardriders and Surfing WA have already committed to holding surf competitions at the site, which bring to Albany the greater regional profiling, tourism, and economic benefits linked to these types of events."

Quotes attributable to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

"This EOI process is an exciting milestone for the long-awaited 'Southern Ocean Surf Reef'.

"Congratulations to the Albany Boardriders for persistently advocating to bring an accessible surfing site close to town, and to the City of Albany working with State and Federal Government's to secure funding for this exciting project for our community."