The West Coast Council will tear down most of a controversial concrete wall that blocked Strahan’s famous harbour views after weeks of community outrage.
Councillors voted last night to remove all but the essential structural elements of the three-metre-high, 30-metre-long wall built along the waterfront esplanade.
The structure, dubbed the ‘Great Wall of Strahan’ by angry locals, appeared last year as part of a $3.3 million waterfront redevelopment.
Mayor Shane Pitt said the council had listened to community concerns.
“We value the feedback from our local community expressing their concerns over the Strahan wall and council has responded appropriately,” he said.
“In hindsight some of these design and sequencing changes were a mistake.”
The wall was built as a shelter structure after the project scope changed, following delays to upgrades at the nearby visitor centre.
More than 300 residents signed a petition demanding answers about the structure, which blocked views of Macquarie Harbour.
A public meeting earlier this month drew more than 100 people.
Council general manager Scott Riley has previously admitted the council fell short on community consultation.
The council says it will retain only elements needed to provide structural support for the new shelter and car-parking spaces.
It has also committed to working more closely with local groups and businesses and says updated designs will be shared before any future decisions are made.
