Happy Easter for Silverleaves, anxiety for Inverloch

IT’S official, the State Government has confirmed that it will immediately allocate $15 million to “improve access and address erosion along the Victorian coastline” at Black Rock, Inverloch, Loch Sport, Tooradin, Silverleaves and Warrnambool.

And according to the government announcement on Wednesday, March 19, Silverleaves will have works completed before Easter “to protect the dunes from further erosion and to protect in land Philip Island from flooding and to maintain public access to the beach”.

It’s not clear when work to protect the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club will begin but there are fears locally that the clubhouse have to face a month of king tides through April with a failing geotextile wall all that stands between comfort and catastrophe.

Right through April from Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 20 high tides will be consistently about the 2.7 metre mark at the Inverloch Surf Beach pushing 2.9 metres early in the month and then returning again at the beginning of May.

If high tides are combined with storm surges on any of those days, the risk of damage to infrastructure is assessed as likely.

Glenn Morris, President of the Inverloch Tourism Association and member of Inverloch Coastal Advisory Network (I*CAN)) is one of those not satisfied with the funding announcement.

“The Minister has announced a $15 million package of works to address coastal erosion risks at a number of at-risk coastal sites along the Victorian coast. Yet when you look at the official announcement, only $10 million is allocated to six locations - Black Rock, Inverloch, Loch Sport, Tooradin, Silverleaves and Warrnambool. The other $5 million is going towards works in Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road communities.

“We are in the dark on how much funding is allocated for Inverloch specifically which, in itself, is frustrating,” said Mr Morris.

“Our intel is that funds will be allocated for immediate protection works at the Inverloch Surf Club. This is critical but it also suggests that no State Government funding is being put towards the dune construction works slated to commence in spring this year.

“Moreover, no State Government funding has also been allocated to protect Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road. This is of great concern to the Inverloch community.

“The fact is that dune construction works are underfunded with only 50 per cent of the required work able to be done - we have the federal funds enabling 100,000 cubic metres of dune construction but the required scope involves 200,000+ cubic metres of sand.

“What we want to see is the State Government fund the balance required that will enable the recommended dune construction work of 200,000 cubic metres to be completed this year.

“Why are we not seeing a commitment to do the job required and instead we end up doing only half the job?

“The fact is that since around 2010, we have witnessed Inverloch Beach lose an estimated 250,000 cubic metres of sand to erosion. The problem is real. It seems crazy not to replace at least what we have lost!”

According to the State Government, as well as improving access and addressing erosion, the funding will make it safer and easier for families to get out and explore the state’s most iconic beaches.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced more than $15 million to address coastal erosion, safety risks and access issues along Victoria’s coast. The works include dune protection, sand renourishment, repairs to stairs, walking trails, boardwalks and access ramps and restoration of damaged seawalls and damaged piers. More than $10 million will be divided between Black Rock, Inverloch, Loch Sport, Tooradin, Silverleaves and Warrnambool, $2 million will address storm surge impacts including compromised seawalls and safe beach access for community in key locations such as Torquay, Port Campbell and Eastern View.

Parks Victoria will coordinate the restoration of key tourist and recreational piers along the Mornington Peninsula including at Portsea and Mornington, including safe access to beaches and walking trails with a $2.2 million boost.

“Delivering these critical repairs will ensure Victorians can continue to enjoy access to our beautiful beaches and coastline year-round,” said Minister Dimopoulos.

“We’re supporting coastal land managers to care for and protect coastal areas for the community’s safety and enjoyment, both now and for future generations.”