Geraldton Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Foreshore Lighting
By Chloe · Published 04 Nov 2026 · Updated 04 Nov 2026
Geraldton, WA · Western Australia News
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A local resident has called for better lighting along a coastal walkway in Geraldton after a woman was assaulted in the area, renewing concerns about safety for people walking at night.
Safety concerns have been raised about a coastal walking area in Geraldton, Western Australia, after a woman was reportedly indecently assaulted along the foreshore at Beresford late on Saturday night.
The incident has renewed calls from a local resident for improved lighting along the coastal pathway. Makayla Staffard said she had previously raised concerns about lighting in the area with the City of Greater Geraldton in 2024, but felt her suggestions were not taken seriously.
Staffard said she was disappointed by the response she received when she suggested additional lighting. According to her account, concerns were raised that installing more lights could affect the views enjoyed by nearby residents.
She also said she believed there had been multiple attacks along the foreshore and that some of her friends had experienced difficult situations in the area. Her comments have brought renewed attention to the balance between public safety, residential amenity and the management of shared coastal spaces.
The recent incident involved 29-year-old Teahl Taylor, who was attacked by an unknown man along the Beresford foreshore. The incident has highlighted the importance of considering safety measures in public areas used by pedestrians, runners and other visitors, particularly after dark.
Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the council had no current plans to install additional lighting at the location. He explained that the council needed to consider the cost of new infrastructure and the concerns of residents living near the foreshore.
The mayor also pointed to an alternative pathway on the opposite side of the road, describing it as a better-lit route for people walking at night.
The discussion highlights a challenge faced by many coastal councils. Public walkways need to remain accessible and safe, but infrastructure decisions can also involve financial constraints and concerns about the impact of lighting on nearby homes and the surrounding environment.
Improved lighting is one possible safety measure, although it is not a guarantee against crime. Other approaches can include regular safety assessments, clear sightlines, maintenance of public spaces, visible emergency information and cooperation with local police.
For residents, the key issue is whether people can use the foreshore comfortably and safely after sunset. Walkways are important community spaces, but concerns about lighting and personal safety can discourage people from using them.
The discussion in Geraldton has renewed attention on how local authorities respond to community safety concerns and how public infrastructure decisions are made. Any future changes would need to consider residents' views, available funding and the safety needs of people using the coastal area.
SafetyConcernsLightingForeshoreCoastal
Safety concerns have been raised about a coastal walking area in Geraldton, Western Australia, after a woman was reportedly indecently assaulted along the foreshore at Beresford late on Saturday night.
The incident has renewed calls from a local resident for improved lighting along the coastal pathway. Makayla Staffard said she had previously raised concerns about lighting in the area with the City of Greater Geraldton in 2024, but felt her suggestions were not taken seriously.
Staffard said she was disappointed by the response she received when she suggested additional lighting. According to her account, concerns were raised that installing more lights could affect the views enjoyed by nearby residents.
She also said she believed there had been multiple attacks along the foreshore and that some of her friends had experienced difficult situations in the area. Her comments have brought renewed attention to the balance between public safety, residential amenity and the management of shared coastal spaces.
The recent incident involved 29-year-old Teahl Taylor, who was attacked by an unknown man along the Beresford foreshore. The incident has highlighted the importance of considering safety measures in public areas used by pedestrians, runners and other visitors, particularly after dark.
Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the council had no current plans to install additional lighting at the location. He explained that the council needed to consider the cost of new infrastructure and the concerns of residents living near the foreshore.
The mayor also pointed to an alternative pathway on the opposite side of the road, describing it as a better-lit route for people walking at night.
The discussion highlights a challenge faced by many coastal councils. Public walkways need to remain accessible and safe, but infrastructure decisions can also involve financial constraints and concerns about the impact of lighting on nearby homes and the surrounding environment.
Improved lighting is one possible safety measure, although it is not a guarantee against crime. Other approaches can include regular safety assessments, clear sightlines, maintenance of public spaces, visible emergency information and cooperation with local police.
For residents, the key issue is whether people can use the foreshore comfortably and safely after sunset. Walkways are important community spaces, but concerns about lighting and personal safety can discourage people from using them.
The discussion in Geraldton has renewed attention on how local authorities respond to community safety concerns and how public infrastructure decisions are made. Any future changes would need to consider residents' views, available funding and the safety needs of people using the coastal area.
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