Whale Watching Platform To Be Investigated

By Marcus Braid on December 5, 2014 in News

A dedicated whale watching platform could be built along the Randwick coastline if the local council’s investigations find that the initiative is viable.

Randwick Mayor Ted Seng said that each year thousands of visitors and locals flock to the coastline to watch the spectacular whale migration.

“The number of whale watchers has increased in recent years as more and more people come to appreciate this natural phenomenon right on our door step,” he said.

“Many people already visit areas like Jack Vanny Reserve at North Maroubra, Dunningham Reserve at Coogee and Burrows Park in Clovelly to watch the twice yearly migration.

“A dedicated whale watching platform could provide a gathering point for interested people, elevated views and it could also include educational material and possible fixed telescopes or binoculars.”

Randwick Council is currently looking to investigate potential sites and costs associated with the project.

“There’s a bit of a discussion as to where it would be; maybe around Mistral Point, between North Maroubra and Lurline Bay,” Randwick Councillor Tony Bowen said.

“It’s a big deal down at Kurnell. I think it’s a good idea as long as it’s done properly.”

Cr Bowen said whales were hardly seen in the 1970s and ‘80s, but that has changed dramatically.

“When I was a kid you never saw whales at all,” he said.

“There was nothing; you never, ever saw them. They were all hunted to near extinction. Now people are almost used to it, which is a great thing.”