Works are underway to protect a century old flour mill in South Yunderup.
Cooper's Mill, situated on Cooleenup Island, is a state heritage-listed landmark and the Shire of Murray has secured a $100,000 State Government grant to protect the building and its foreshore from coastal erosion.
Built in the 1840s and only accessible by boat, the Mill has become increasingly vulnerable to coastal hazards with inundation events flooding the building's floor and depositing sand and seagrass inside.
It is only expected to worsen by 2030 with future projections indicating a growing risk of coastal erosion.
To better understand the risks and identify appropriate protection measures, the Shire commissioned a Foreshore Management Plan, prepared by Water Technology in 2026.
The plan recommended constructing a new seawall, with a PVC sheet pile wall identified as the most suitable option to protect the receding northern foreshore.
Shire of Murray President Douglas McLarty said the funding was an important step towards protecting the Mill’s heritage value and improving the long-term resilience of the foreshore.
“Cooper’s Mill is a special part of our local history and an important landmark for the Shire of Murray. Its unique location and heritage significance make it a place worth protecting for future generations," President McLarty said.
“Securing $100,000 through the Coastal Adaptation and Protection Grant Program will help us take practical action to address the growing risks of coastal erosion and inundation, while protecting the heritage, environmental and recreational values of this much-loved location."
The first stage of the project is due for completion in mid-2027.
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