Protecting our beaches is a top priority for Bass Coast Shire Council as they work closely with the Department of Environment Water Land and Planning (DEWLP), and the community, to address the serious level of erosion at Cowes East, Cowes and Inverloch foreshores.

Works carried out recently at Cowes involved replacing lost sand after recent storm events, high tides and big swells had removed significant amounts of sand from the beach. Similar renourishing works are planned for Inverloch in spring, once the weather has settled.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield, explained that replacing lost sand is a short term solution to restore the amenity and help protect these beaches. However, more short, medium and long term strategies are required, as is investment from state government to fund programs and infrastructure to protect these beaches.

“Recent weather events have made it very clear that without investment from higher levels of government, the beaches and natural landscapes on which our economy depends may be lost and literally swept into the sea,” Cr Rothfield said.

“People visit Bass Coast for the environment and stay to enjoy the coastal lifestyle and to join the tight knit communities that are passionate about protecting our natural assets.

“In 2035 we can expect an additional 1.6 million domestic and international visitors coming to experience our pristine beaches each year. Without action, these beaches and the visitors who come to enjoy them are at risk of declining rapidly.”

Two reports presented to Council at the August Ordinary Council Meeting support Council’s position of advocating on coastal infrastructure to minimise erosion as a top priority.

These reports provide both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ engineering options and associated costs to protect the existing coastal assets and install new coastal infrastructure.

“As a level one priority, Council will be actively advocating to State and Federal government in the lead up to the upcoming elections in the effort to secure funding for coastal infrastructure,” Cr Rothfield said

“As with all of our advocacy priorities, it’s important to recognise that success comes from collaboration.”

“We will continue to work closely with the DEWLP, local community and environmental groups to ensure we achieve the best result for our community.”