FURTHER erosion at both ends of the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club has forced Bass Coast Shire Council to undertake urgent sand renourishment works at night.
With large swells forecast this week, essential sand renourishment works will be undertaken at low tide overnight to maintain the integrity of the protective sandbag wall on the Inverloch surf beach and surrounding dune area.
The latest erosion fix comes just two weeks after sand was dredged from the eastern end of the surf beach and dumped at either end of the geotextile sandbag wall for a second time.
A protective barrier of sand was dredged from low sand dunes in April and placed around the Inverloch SLSC in a race against time to beat the Easter king tides.
Bass Coast Council has expressed its appreciation to the local community for understanding that Council needed to act quickly to protect this vulnerable stretch of coastline.
Approval for the night works was received from the Environment Protection Authority.
The Nationals’ MP Melina Bath called on Labor’s Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos to act urgently on the escalating erosion crisis between Inverloch and Cape Paterson.
Ms Bath said Minister Dimopoulos had failed to answer important questions on the Cape to Cape Resilience Project raised in February, as residents have been watching with growing alarm as the surf beach dunes collapse at Inverloch, infrastructure is undermined, and access to beaches is lost.
“The sand renourishment works to date have been largely futile,” said Ms Bath.
“Local residents are documenting how quickly the sand is being washed away, days after being put in place.
“The community is seeking commitments and actions instead of Labor’s reliance on temporary band-aid fixes prior to stage one works commencing in the spring.”
Ms Bath criticised the Government for its lack of transparency and communication on the Inverloch to Cape Paterson coastline investigation since its inception.
“It has been five years since the Cape to Cape Resilience Project began and despite feedback on the draft report closing nine months ago, the final report still has not been released.
“The final plan must be released before these works commence so the community can have confidence in the project’s final direction and scope.
“There is justifiable concern that Labor will continue to pursue its retreat strategy despite fierce community opposition.
“Locals are seeking a long-term funding commitment for adaptation and protection measures over the next decade,” said Ms Bath.
“The $10 million provided this year, divided between six communities is insufficient.
“This coastline is home to vibrant communities, vital ecosystems, and cherished public assets.
“Without urgent action and a long-term funding commitment from the State Government to stabilise the coast, many fear this unique environment, along with public and private infrastructure, will be lost forever.”
