The award-winning Coogee Maritime Trail will soon double in size to feature two more large ReefPyramids, and four world-first reef structures made of ultra-low carbon geopolymer concrete.
The engineered reef module donations by Subcon, a Henderson-based company, will total $100,000 and be installed in November.
The dive trail already has 33 reef structures and five art pieces installed on the sea bed, but Environmental Services Manager Christopher Beaton said the new reef structures would add even greater excitement and interest for divers.
“Subcon is also donating several smaller pieces to boost the trail’s appeal. The City of Cockburn will cover the installation costs of $70,000,” Mr Beaton said.
“The structures for the ocean garden total more than 100 tonnes and extend 200m along the breakwater creating a living harbour right on Perth’s doorstep.”
The dive trail additions will also include five seaweed gardens up to 2m tall attached to ReefMatts.
These capture carbon dioxide, help clean Cockburn Sound and provide food and shelter for juvenile fish, improving fish stocks.
Fifty Women in Science and Engineering students visited Subcon on October 9 to watch the pour of the second ReefPyramid, help construct a small reef module, and learn about the dive trail.
Subcon chief executive Matthew Allen said the smaller geopolymer Apollo reef structures were the result of a research and development collaboration between Subcon and Dutch company Royal IHC.
“The geopolymer Apollos are the first ultra-low carbon engineered reefs deployed in the world,” Mr Allen said.
“Geopolymer concrete is made by reacting industrial byproducts such as fly ash but unlike standard concrete it is not made using cement which has a high carbon footprint.”
“We’re donating the structures because we are a local business who is passionate about our community, Cockburn Sound and the environment,” Mr Allen said.
“This dive trail is great for school kids, locals and local business and is the largest living harbour project in the region which we take scientists and our clients to see and experience first-hand how coastal infrastructure can be designed to work with nature.”
The Coogee Maritime Trail was named a joint winner in the Coastal Design, Heritage and Tourism category of the Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence on October 1.