THE Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos has handpassed the design and implementation of the East Cowes and Silverleaves Adaptation Plan to the Bass Coast Shire Council.
The sweetener is a $1.4 million grant to design an implementation response and to get the work done, ASAP according to local residents.
Louise Hill, President of the Silverleaves Conservation Association issued the following statement to members this week:
Dear SCA members, Jordan Crugnale, Member for Bass has sent the attached media release about the launch of the East Cowes and Silverleaves Adaptation Plan by the Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today.
The Plan is live at engage.vic.gov.au/silverleaves-coastal-adaptation-pathways
The Government has also allocated an additional $1.4 million for the Bass Coast Shire Council to commence implementation of the plan, which is very welcome. Hopefully the Council will be able to get the tender for detailed design underway quickly and then move into construction before the winter period next year.
The Committee of the SCA is very relieved and grateful that the Adaptation Plan has now been released with funding for its implementation. So many people from across the Silverleaves and broader Phillip Island community have worked so hard to bring awareness to the serious erosion of the Silverleaves foreshore and even though we would have appreciated a quicker response, it is heartening to finally have received such a positive response.
The Adaptation Plan provides a range of treatments for the Silverleaves coastline which include natural treatments of realignment of the coastline, restoration and revegetation of the dunes and engineered treatment of groynes in some sections. The Community Reference Group (which includes some SCA members) has been advised that there will be regular monitoring and that as the Plan describes, further treatments may be added in some areas if needed.
Ms Crugnale has welcomed the release of the report and the funding for its implementation.
“Victoria’s coastlines are facing significant challenges, we are tackling these challenges head-on with strategies to mitigate risks and ensure our communities and businesses are prepared for the future,” said Ms Crugnale.
“I want to thank community members and local residents for being active, involved, and passionate advocates outlining what they value most about this beautiful stretch of Westernport.”
View the East Cowes and Silverleaves Adaptation Plan (October 2025) HERE
