What’s planned for Port Franklin’s waterfront?

Port Franklin will receive approximately 237 metres of replacement seawall along the Franklin River to help protect its foreshore and nearby public infrastructure from coastal hazards.

The work targets erosion, but it will also help protect nearby roads, the walking trail and boating access infrastructure as part of the $7.2 million Coastal Risk Reduction and Resilience Program.

The new details identify the works planned for Port Franklin following the program’s announcement under Round Four of the federal government’s Disaster Ready Fund.

In addition to the Port Franklin aspect, the program also includes new and upgraded coastal protection infrastructure at Elwood, along with a coastal adaptation study at Black Rock to inform future seawall design and long-term risk management.

And additional hazard monitoring will cover all project sites.

The overall project is expected to take three years to deliver, with works designed to address risks associated with storm surge and a rising sea level.

The Australian Government will contribute approximately $3.03 million through the Disaster Ready Fund, alongside approximately $4.18 million in co-contributions.

Those figures cover the whole program.

The project information doesn’t specify a separate funding allocation for Port Franklin’s seawall replacement.

Emergency Management Victoria will lead the project, with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action serving as the applicant.

The Port Franklin Public Purposes and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management is among the delivery partners, alongside Bayside City Council and the City of Port Phillip.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the fund aimed to help communities prepare before disasters strike.

“Round Four of the Disaster Ready Fund is helping communities across Victoria better prepare for the natural hazards they face, while delivering practical projects that reduce risk and strengthen local resilience,” Ms McBain said.

“Whether it's improving infrastructure, supporting better planning, or delivering community preparedness initiatives, these projects will help protect people, homes and livelihoods for years to come.”

Ms McBain said the federal government was partnering with the Victorian Government, local governments and community organisations to deliver the projects.

The program aims to strengthen coastal communities’ resilience and protect important local infrastructure and public assets, with the Black Rock study informing future seawall design and long-term risk management.