Go easy on coastal hysterics please

THE reports about the impact of coastal erosion at Inverloch have at last started to roll in.

And in general terms, it’s no surprise to anyone that a serious response is needed.

But please, go easy on the climate change hysterics if you can.

The situation at Inverloch is as much a product of the shape of the coast and low-lying areas along Surf Parade, between Wreck Creek and Flat Rocks and up the other end of town, from the Inverloch Foreshore Holiday Park to Screw Creek as it is about any impending doom as a result of climate change.

In fact, the reports underline that the threat from permanent inundation by the sea, across the whole town, remains “low” through to 2100.

But, the impacts of erosion on the beach and the protective dune system is another matter, and there is also the threat of temporary inundation rising to “medium” along the Inverloch Foreshore area (Dog Beach) from 2040 onwards.

Extending the rock wall through to Flat Rocks appears to have merit, as do the addition of groyne structures along part of the surf beach to hold back the movement of sand and suggestions that the level of Cape Road (even Surf Parade) should be raised.

The idea of a breakwater, running parallel to the surf beach, impacting wave action, however, would have to be a last resort.

And the need for annual allocations of funding from the government, for dune “nourishment” and maintenance will also be needed.

The Mayor Cr Whelan’s call for the State Government to fund the strategic planning work needed to address the issue into the future is also reasonable but this should not be an excuse for the early introduction of draconian planning measures.

And before there is any talk about a “planned retreat”, there must be a clear and simple explanation of the situation to the community, again, without the hysterics.