ABNORMALLY high tides and a storm surge during extreme weather conditions over the past week placed Wreck Creek on Surf Parade Inverloch at high risk of flooding.

All but forgotten in the latest version (Stage 3) of the Coast to Coast Resilience Plan properties adjoining Wreck Creek were on high alert after a Marine Warning from the Bureau of Meteorology predicted coastal inundation of low-lying areas with seawater.

At the peak of the storm seawater flooding in from the surf beach combined with moderate rainfall upstream had Wreck Creek lapping at the edge of Surf Parade.

Although acknowledging tidal controls on Wreck Creek could help minimise flood extents, preliminary modelling in Stage 3 of the Coast to Coast Resilience Plan has revealed multiple flow paths through nearby lower sections could mean any drainage controls would be ineffective unless combined with a higher dune buffer and/or minor road raising.

The area has been found to be at extreme risk of storm tide inundation.

During storm tide events the combined effect of high tides, storm surges and heavy rainfall in the Wreck Creek catchment area is predicted to cause flooding across adjoining properties, pasture and infrastructure.

With the Inverloch surf beach continuing to be the key focus for erosion control Bass Coast Council has been working with contractors to try and keep ahead of weather conditions.

“We are monitoring the situation,” said Bass Coast Council.

“The task has been made more complex by having to do the remediation works at night due to the low tide timeframes.

“To say the least, the last couple of days have been challenging,” said Bass Coast Shire.

“On Monday night the crew placed 640m3 of sand around the lifesaving club of which only a quarter survived the daylight high tide.

“The following night contractors placed 750m3 of sand in the same location, and an hour after the next high tide it was all gone, plus some additional existing sand.

“The forecast has been for above 3m high tides all week.

“Contractors have retained machinery on-site, either working or parked so they could respond as quickly as possible, as conditions permitted.”

Replacing the beach sand lost during high tides and storm surges has cost Bass Coast Council between $20,000 and $30,000 for each event depending on the scale of plant and equipment required.

Being such a dynamic coastline according to Bass Coast Council, the final cost of sand renourishment works is often determined only once the contractor has arrived.