THE Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has announced the engagement of a contractor for the delivery of dune reconstruction and beach nourishment works at Inverloch.

But, instead of going ahead in spring and ready for the Christmas visitor season, the long-awaited work is now scheduled to commence in February 2026.

Nonetheless, a spokesperson for the local community, Inverloch Tourism Association President Glenn Morris believes the delay might “not be a bad thing” given contractor unavailability as there’s no risk now that the beach works will impact the summer peak.

“Contractor availability was the key issue, but I also believe they had to find more money to award the contract and fund the Year 1 vegetation work which they are also planning to do,” said Mr Morris.

“That said, the surf club sandbag seawall extensions are going to be built pre-Xmas,” he said.

DEECA has confirmed the surf club protection works will go ahead in its ‘Project Update Number 3’ dated September 2025:

“The sandbag seawall in front of the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club on Surf Beach will be repaired and extended to address damage resulting from the significant storm event in August last year.

“The Victorian Government has allocated funding for the works and detailed designs are now complete. The construction works will be delivered by Bass Coast Shire Council (BCSC) and will create a larger buffer between the extended wall and Surf Life Saving Club building.

“The wall will be buried under the reconstructed dune and beach nourishment which will provide additional protection.

“DEECA will continue to partner with BCSC to ensure collaborative delivery of this project, and the dune reconstruction and beach nourishment works. The timing of repair and extension works to the

Surf Life Saving Club Sandbag Seawall is expected to take place prior to Christmas, subject to logistics, contractor availability and favourable weather and conditions.

“The timing of dune reconstruction and beach nourishment works is currently expected to occur following the summer school holidays, commencing in February 2026.”