Southern Ocean Surf Reef nears completion with last granite rocks dropped into place this week

The Southern Ocean Surf Reef edges closer to completion with the last of the granite rocks dropped into place on Tuesday and the official opening date scheduled. Surveys will be undertaken later this week for any final adjustments to the rocks’ placement. Construction on the $13 million project began in March, and was initially slated for completion by early May, however the City of Albany announced last month the finishing date would be delayed. The reef will be the first of its kind in the region, and was designed to create a consistently surfable wave accessible from the Albany city centre. Albany councillors voted to award the tender for the project in July last year with the decision the culmination of more than 30 years of campaigning from Albany’s surfing community. Albany Boardriders representative Peter Bolt said it was a “surreal” moment after a long journey to see the surf reef project come to fruition. “It’s very exciting and it’s been a long journey to get here, things didn’t go completely to plan, the weather certainly wasn’t any help with storms and big swells, but it’s coming together and we’re all excited to see it finished and ready to use,” he said. The reef will be officially opened with the Albany Boardriders and the City of Albany on July 16. The City of Albany executive director of infrastructure, development and environment Paul Camins confirmed only “minor works and final checks” remain to be completed on the long-awaited project, but said the progress will continue to be guided by weather and site conditions. “We are thrilled for our community that construction of the Southern Ocean Surf Reef is nearing completion,” he said. “This has been an ambitious and long-awaited project, made possible through significant funding contributions from the Federal Government and State Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. “It has been a strong team effort from the outset, with Albany Boardriders, Southern Ports Albany, Bluecoast Consulting Engineers, and project contractor Heron Construction Limited all playing key roles. “We thank them for their ongoing commitment and collaboration throughout the many years of planning and delivery.”