TENS of millions of dollars have been wasted through delays to coastal erosion works at Inverloch according to recently released Freedom of Information (FOI) documents.
Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath MP said critical works on the Inverloch surf beach remain at a standstill despite the State Government receiving a $3.3 million grant from the Federal Government three years ago.
“The Allan Labor government has concealed the extent of the worsening erosion crisis,” said Ms Bath.
With each tide and storm event the risk increases.
“The Inverloch Lifesaving Club and nearby homes are under imminent threat.”
Revelations contained in FOI documents obtained by Ms Bath show government hazard mapping as early as 2022 identified the possibility for disaster from a major erosion or inundation event within two years.
The documents showed there was the need for on-ground works to commence as soon as possible with the government’s own economic modelling showing an alleged cover-up of between $42 million and $558 million in damages and value lost.
“Coastal erosion works were identified as a priority in 2022,” said Ms Bath.
“Despite knowing the dire consequences and not protecting Inverloch’s coastline and community the Allan government is complicit in causing mental anguish for residents.
“The beach is eroding, dunes are vanishing, and the lifesaving club is under threat while Labor refuses to prioritise the works.”
Melina Bath has accused the State Government of a serious lack of transparency.
“Labor’s so called community consultation was clearly engineered to align with a pre-set decision. The Allan government’s secrecy and refusal to release the final Cape to Cape plan speaks volumes.
“Every day these critical works are delayed the Allan government is recklessly rolling the dice, risking essential infrastructure, and putting the town on the line.”
In an email sent recently to Inverloch residents Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP said the coastal erosion project at Inverloch would begin after the peak summer holiday period in February.
“Repairs and an extension to the geotextile container wall would be done prior to Christmas, by Bass Coast Shire funded by the State Government,” said Ms Crugnale.
“As we all know this large scale engineering project was scheduled for this Spring, however the timing of on-ground works has been influenced by contractor vessel and machinery availability.”
