Trigg has been named as Perth's best beach

February 25, 1998

Trigg has been named Perth's best beach in the Keep Australia Beautiful Council's Perth's Best Beach Award 1998.

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei announced Trigg's success this morning following the judging of 39 beaches along the metropolitan coastline in December and January.

Sorrento was second and Scarborough third.

The Keep Australia Beautiful Council established Perth's Best Beach Award in 1997 to recognise the efforts of local governments working in partnership with the local community to maintain and improve Western Australian beaches.

Mr Omodei said there had been rapid growth in participation in the award over the last 12 months.

"Commitment from the Keep Australia Beautiful Council, continued sponsorship by the Water Corporation, and support this year from Surf Life Saving WA have ensured that the preservation of our coastline is a priority in Perth," the Minister said.

"The relationship with Surf Life Saving is most appropriate, given that they are the most prominent presence on the beach and do so much to make our beaches safer for public recreation.

"Our beaches are recognised as major tourist attractions as well as an important source of recreation for local people so it is important to keep them in pristine condition.

"The number of beaches judged has increased greatly this year and strong relationships have developed between local governments and the community.

"Trigg Beach, which moved up from second place last year, demonstrates that there is strong commitment to this beach care program."

Judging of Perth's Best Beach Award involved two months of intensive investigation which included interviews with more than 300 beach users.

Beaches were assessed by general tidiness, availability of litter bins, water quality, community involvement in environmental care programs, local government initiatives, life saving and ranger services, and absence of graffiti and dog litter.

Water quality was independently tested by Murdoch University in association with KABC.

KABC general manager, Peta Monley said the Water Corporation and beach goers should be delighted by the excellent water purity results.

She said the council's aim for Perth's best beach in 1999 was to get all beaches performing as well as Trigg.

"Surf Life Saving WA and local beach action groups came on board this year, and next year we hope to attract beach side businesses and other beach and ocean users," Mrs Monley said.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9366 0200