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Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Retreat not an option: Entire town may collapse as erosion devours Western Australia coast
The coastal community of Lancelin, which was once a thriving fishing village and tourism hotspot 125 kilometers north of Perth but is now staring down a catastrophic environmental collapse. Aggressive coastal erosion has stripped more than 25 metres of land in just 12 months, leaving homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure hanging by a thread. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Locals say over 10 metres of shoreline has disappeared since May alone, and a popular beachfront lookout is now set to be demolished within days due to imminent safety risks. The crisis has left residents reeling and demanding immediate intervention from the Western Australian Government , as the erosion threatens to wipe the town off the map. 'Without immediate intervention, the safety of the foreshore and the integrity of essential coastal infrastructure remain at serious risk,' said Glen Trebilcock, owner of the Lancelin Sands Hotel and the face of a growing grassroots campaign to save the town. Trevilcock has launched a petition now signed by over 900 residents, urging the state to deliver emergency funding and deploy technical experts to help shore up what's left of the crumbling coastline. Live Events 'Retreat is not an option' Residents have made one thing clear that relocation is off the table. 'We strongly believe that a retreat is not a viable solution,' Trebilcock told CNN. 'We've lost our beach. We're losing our economy. Now we're losing our town.' The petition has been submitted to the WA Legislative Council, citing the limited capacity of the Shire of Gingin , which governs Lancelin. With just 6,000 ratepayers and a vast stretch of coastline to protect, the small regional government says it is powerless without state support. 'We're not asking for millions of dollars,' said Shire President Linda Balcombe. 'We're just asking for a little bit of financial assistance to address this emergency before it's too late.' Balcombe says she's personally reached out to Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, but weeks later, the shire has yet to receive a formal response. The erosion has had a crippling economic ripple effect. Tourism, a lifeline for many small businesses, is drying up. According to Trebilcock, six daily tour groups have ceased visiting, and several visitors have canceled bookings citing safety concerns. 'The lookout is about to collapse. That was one of our main attractions,' Trebilcock said. 'Now it's being demolished. The message that send? Stay away.' Government response In a statement to 7News, the WA Government said it is 'aware of the issues and is actively looking at options to assist.' However, locals say words are not enough. They want action, funding, and an immediate deployment of engineers to evaluate and secure the coastline before the damage becomes irreversible. 'This is not a slow-moving issue,' Balcombe warned. 'It's happening now, every week, every storm, we lose more land.' FAQs Where is Lancelin? Lancelin is a coastal town located 125km north of Perth, Western Australia. What's happening? The town is experiencing unprecedented coastal erosion, and over 25 metres of shoreline have been lost in one year. What are the risks? Homes, roads, and key infrastructure are now dangerously close to collapse. A seaside lookout is scheduled for demolition. Is the government responding? The WA Government says it's exploring options, but residents and local officials are demanding urgent action.
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Feasibility of Fortune plan questioned
A heritage advocate and playwright says she has a "$500,000 plan" to save Dunedin's Fortune Theatre. But a mayoral candidate says the plan is "unrealistic" and the Dunedin City Council has other ideas about professional theatre. Karen Trebilcock said her first goal was to stop the council taking it to a vote to sell the premises, which has been inactive since 2018. The council recently took the Fortune Theatre off their strategic asset list, which allows the council to discuss selling it. The council also has about $17 million set aside in its long-term plan to help strengthen and upgrade community and professional theatre in Dunedin. Ms Trebilcock said the Fortune Theatre was "staring the council right in the face, and they choose to ignore it". She had been granted permission by council staff to inspect the interior of the Fortune Theatre yesterday. "I don't think people were fully informed or even knew what it was like inside. "They were told that it was mouldy and damp and there were holes in the floor — and we've seen [yesterday] that it's not like that at all." Ms Trebilcock said she believed if her group could seed $500,000 then they could get under way with a "six-month plan" of refitting the theatre. Her plan for the theatre was to turn it into a 180-seater, and upgrade the interiors to host local and professional productions. Cr Carmen Houlahan, who is running for mayor, said Ms Trebilcock's plan was "totally unrealistic". Selling the Fortune Theatre had not come up as an option before the council yet, but she expected staff to prepare a paper outlining all the options very soon. "I certainly was devastated when the Fortune Theatre closed down and I'm nostalgic about it. "However, moving forward, the Fortune, in all reality, is not a realistic building any more for theatre. It's always had a problem with mould." Ms Trebilcock said there had been "discussions" with Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, which runs Forsyth Barr Stadium and the town hall, about possible co-operation and event ideas. "Having Dunedin Venues, which also run the Town Hall, doing the ticketing and the admin would certainly help the budget." In the past playwrights such as Roger Hall, A.K. Grant, Tom Scott, Anthony McCarten and Greg McGee had hit shows with the theatre. Cr Houlahan said there would be plenty more opportunities through the council's upcoming investment in venues such as the Athenaeum and Playhouse Theatre, along with available seeding funding for professional theatre groups. "That will create work for the sector and work for people that are involved in those projects, and see us through to the next 20, 30, maybe 40, 50 years. "The future's looking very bright." Southern Heritage Trust member and council candidate Jo Galer said the trust would consider whether to officially support the Fortune Theatre project. However, the issue spoke to a lot of people's concerns about keeping the city's heritage, she said. "It's a Heritage NZ category-one church that was converted into a very quirky and very cool theatre that a lot of audiences absolutely miss like nothing else. "I think it's worthwhile that we at least implore the council to reconsider the need for this." Ms Galer acknowledged there would be "a lot of work" to bring the theatre up to standard — which meant removing all the mould. "So we're realistic about it, but let's just try. And I think that's what this visit [yesterday] was all about — it was reconsidering it before it's too late." Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said there were a number of options on the table in the long-term plan which pertained to theatre, but the Fortune Theatre had been taken off the register. The building had been "cleared out and cleaned up", he said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dirt Locker® Unveils Flat-Ground Garden Solution for Urban Growers and Renters
Santa Clarita, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Clarita, California - Dirt Locker®, known for transforming steep, erosion-challenged slopes into lush, terraced gardens, is now expanding its innovation to level terrain. The company's newly released raised bed system empowers city dwellers, renters, and small-lot owners to cultivate vibrant gardens—no digging, tools, or permanent hardware required. Dirt Locker®'s signature curved rings revolutionized hillside gardening by stabilizing soil and enabling flourishing plant life on slanted, otherwise unusable terrain. As popularity grew, customers wondered whether the same rings could work on patios or flat yards. "Technically, yes," explains founder Mark Trebilcock, "but they weren't designed with flat surfaces in mind." That prompted the development of a purpose-built system that maintains the brand's core values—sustainable materials, interlocking modular design, no nails or bolts—while catering to the specific needs of small and flat-space gardening. Each component is a semi-flexible arc made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Users can connect these arcs into circles, crescents, peanut shapes, or custom curves, then stack them vertically to create a raised bed. This approach draws inspiration from traditional African keyhole gardens, incorporating a compost chamber in the center. As kitchen scraps decompose in this central hub, nutrients and moisture flow outward, supporting healthy root systems and conserving water. "Nature doesn't move in straight lines," says Trebilcock. "Our design works with organic forms, not against them." Unlike conventional wooden or metal raised beds—which often require saws, screws, and permanence—the Dirt Locker® raised bed can be assembled by hand and disassembled just as easily. The pieces nest neatly into a car trunk, offering a garden solution that can move with its owner. This makes it ideal for renters, those living under HOA restrictions, or mobile urban farming initiatives. Each 6-inch-high tier is multifunctional. Upper layers can be lifted off to harvest root vegetables like carrots and potatoes without disrupting the bed. Lower rings are perfect for herbs or flowering plants that can cascade over the edge. The central space can either be used for composting or to support a compact fruit tree. Raised beds provide better drainage and warm up more quickly in spring, extending the growing season. At the same time, the integrated compost core helps retain essential moisture—especially valuable in water-conscious urban areas. The concept took root when Trebilcock joined forces with former NFL player Garry Gilliam on a project in Harrisburg, PA, aimed at turning vacant buildings into urban farms. When asked if Dirt Locker® could be adapted to help grow potatoes in small courtyards, Trebilcock realized the need for a deep, modular, and movable garden option for non-homeowners. "That request was the spark," he recalls. "If we could solve it there, we could solve it anywhere." Whether circling a rooftop tree, framing a patio, or creating a garden on a concrete slab, the Dirt Locker® raised-bed system gives underutilized flat spaces new life. Gardeners can begin with a single tier and add on over time. The kits ship flat, require no tools to assemble, and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. For Dirt Locker®, this product is more than just a new offering—it represents a broader mission: making homegrown food accessible to everyone, no matter their landscape or living situation. "We helped people make gardens on their hillsides," Trebilcock says. "Now we're giving the rest of the world a way to garden wherever they live." As cities grow and concerns about food security mount, Dirt Locker® delivers a clear message: if one has a patch of ground—even a small one—one can grow their own food. And when it's time to move, the garden can go too. ### For more information about Dirt Locker, contact the company here:Dirt LockerCaitlin Reidcaitlinr@ CONTACT: Caitlin Reid
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Perth Now
Popular WA tourist town at risk of being swallowed by ocean
A popular Australian tourist town is crying out for help as the ocean threatens to swallow up their piece of paradise. Locals in the coastal community of Lancelin, 125km north of Perth, say something must be done to negate the erosion crisis, but experts fear it could already be too late. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lancelin is being swallowed by the ocean at a rapid rate. Every year, Lancelin welcomes thousands of visitors keen to carve a path through the region's famous white sand while soaking in the relaxed seaside lifestyle by the picturesque water. Glen Trebilcock took over Lancelin Sands Hotel in 2022 and says he has watched his dream erode at an alarming speed, leaving him extremely 'nervous'. Photos taken five years apart and shared on social media in recent days show how rapidly the landscape is changing. An aerial timelapse of the last 20 years also provides little comfort for those with interests on the shoreline (You can check that out in the video above). 'When I bought this I had a gorgeous beach, people had direct beach access to go down for a swim,' Trebilcock told 7NEWS on Monday. 'Now I'm more worried about kids turning around and falling off a cliff.' Since January, six metres of shoreline has disappeared and in April the footpath completely fell away, taking with it the base of the Lancelin lookout. The shire is appealing for the government to step in. 'Without money we can't do the work that's needed and it's really about building those dunes back up so that they protect the town,' Gingin Shire president Linda Balcombe said. Some experts say there is little that can be done. A sea wall has been predicted to cost about $20 million. 'In the case of Lancelin, it's built in the wrong place. It's built in an eroding coastline,' UWA coastal oceanography professor Charitha Pattiaratchi said. 'It's probably controversial — [but the best thing to do would be] retreat, do nothing.' Many locals fear nearby sand mining is disrupting the ecosystem. In the past, locals have also been against potential bans for four-wheel-drives on beach landscapes. Trebilcock does not know what the answer is but says he is running out of time. 'We need help because otherwise Lancelin will be no more. One grain at a time,' he said. In April the footpath completely fell away, taking with it the base of the Lancelin lookout. Credit: 7NEWS Glen Trebilcock took over Lancelin Sands Hotel in 2022. Credit: 7NEWS The state government said the shire had not sought urgent assistance but engineers will examine the erosion. Former WA opposition leader Shane Love said the erosion had 'decimated the footpath causing public danger'. 'I'll be discussing this issue with the Shire of Gingin and asking the Minister for Transport to make sure action is taken to protect the safe use of our beautiful coastline and ensure local businesses like the Lancelin Sands Hotel can operate successfully,' the member for Moore said. One person responding to the alarming five-year comparison photos on social media suggested the government should be putting money into conservation efforts here 'instead of the mega millions spent on rugby, car racing and wrestling'. Others argued it was a 'lesson for future generations not to build so close and protect the fragile coast or mother nature will claim it back'.
West Australian
12-05-2025
- West Australian
Popular tourist town Lancelin at risk of being swallowed by the ocean amid rapid coastal erosion
A popular Australian tourist town is crying out for help as the ocean threatens to swallow up their piece of paradise. Locals in the coastal community of Lancelin, 125km north of Perth, say something must be done to negate the erosion crisis, but experts fear it could already be too late. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lancelin is being swallowed by the ocean at a rapid rate. Every year, Lancelin welcomes thousands of visitors keen to carve a path through the region's famous white sand while soaking in the relaxed seaside lifestyle by the picturesque water. Glen Trebilcock took over Lancelin Sands Hotel in 2022 and says he has watched his dream erode at an alarming speed, leaving him extremely 'nervous'. Photos taken five years apart and shared on social media in recent days show how rapidly the landscape is changing. An aerial timelapse of the last 20 years also provides little comfort for those with interests on the shoreline (You can check that out in the video above). 'When I bought this I had a gorgeous beach, people had direct beach access to go down for a swim,' Trebilcock told 7NEWS on Monday. 'Now I'm more worried about kids turning around and falling off a cliff.' Since January, six metres of shoreline has disappeared and in April the footpath completely fell away, taking with it the base of the Lancelin lookout. The shire is appealing for the government to step in. 'Without money we can't do the work that's needed and it's really about building those dunes back up so that they protect the town,' Gingin Shire president Linda Balcombe said. Some experts say there is little that can be done. A sea wall has been predicted to cost about $20 million. 'In the case of Lancelin, it's built in the wrong place. It's built in an eroding coastline,' UWA coastal oceanography professor Charitha Pattiaratchi said. 'It's probably controversial — [but the best thing to do would be] retreat, do nothing.' Many locals fear nearby sand mining is disrupting the ecosystem. In the past, locals have also been against potential bans for four-wheel-drives on beach landscapes. Trebilcock does not know what the answer is but says he is running out of time. 'We need help because otherwise Lancelin will be no more. One grain at a time,' he said. The state government said the shire had not sought urgent assistance but engineers will examine the erosion. Former WA opposition leader Shane Love said the erosion had 'decimated the footpath causing public danger'. 'I'll be discussing this issue with the Shire of Gingin and asking the Minister for Transport to make sure action is taken to protect the safe use of our beautiful coastline and ensure local businesses like the Lancelin Sands Hotel can operate successfully,' the member for Moore said. One person responding to the alarming five-year comparison photos on social media suggested the government should be putting money into conservation efforts here 'instead of the mega millions spent on rugby, car racing and wrestling'. Others argued it was a 'lesson for future generations not to build so close and protect the fragile coast or mother nature will claim it back'.
