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 major erosion or inundation events within two years.

The documents showed there was a 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.”

In an email sent recently to Inverloch residents, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP claimed the project at Inverloch would begin after the peak summer holiday period.

“Repairs and an extension to the geotextile container wall will be done by Bass Coast Shire prior to Christmas 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.”

President of the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club, Glenn Arnold, has been frustrated by the delays.

“We were told something would be done in winter, but still nothing has been done.

“We’ve now been told the sandbags will be complete by Christmas.

“The geotextile bags will be extended at either end of the lifesaving club.

“Thousands of dollars have been wasted,” he said.

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.

“The community has been lied to,” she said.

According to Ms Bath, the initial repair bill was estimated at $6 million with a sense of urgency, but years later the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan is still pending.

“The community has had meetings, petitions and rallies signifying the urgency of the project, but the community has been told to wait until February 2026,” she said.

“The community has been betrayed by the government.

“In 2022, the government said there was a risk to infrastructure both public and private, and a danger to the beachscape and loss of economic revenue to the town.

“Over the last three years, the lowest estimate of the cost to the community is $42 million, notwithstanding the emotional and mental health cost to residents not knowing.”

Glenn Arnold said this included young families just starting their mortgage journey and retirees with all their money tied up in residential properties.

“It didn’t need to be anywhere near that,” said Mr Arnold.

“There’s a level of frustration and fear. Public forums and public groups have come together and got nowhere.”

“The Minister for Environment has to wear the blame,” said Ms Bath.

“This should have been resolved years ago.

“The damage is now significantly worse and will cost significantly more.”

“It’s duplicitous,” said Ms Bath.

With between 300 and 350 juniors expected on the beach for the nippers program over summer, Mr Arnold is concerned about heavy machinery raising safety issues.

“It’s disingenuous,” according to Mr Arnold.

The Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club continues to grow and now boasts 1200 members.