Yesterday, on behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead and Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari met with The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment. This was an opportunity for Council to share with the Minister the concerns of community and to seek urgent action and investment in physical works at Inverloch and Silverleaves in response to coastal erosion and inundation.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were joined by Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Greg Box and General Manager Innovation & Engagement, Teena Hale Pennington as well as Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale and Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA)officials for this important conversation.
Minister Dimopoulos acknowledged the serious impact coastal erosion and storm events were having on Bass Coast communities. Residents of Inverloch and Silverleaves have been living with the increasing threat of erosion and inundation, affecting access, safety, and the long-term future of their coastal environment. The Minister confirmed that funding applications are under active consideration by the State Government Cabinet and the Treasurer. State Government leadership is vital. Urgency is needed to ensure adequate protection from storms and Easter high tides and medium-longer term coastal erosion protection strategies are implemented.
Minister Dimopoulos assured Council that decisions are expected soon, with work progressing as quickly as possible.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said, "We appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet with us today and hear firsthand the concerns of our community. We need urgent investment and the commencement of works to protect our coastline, homes, and public infrastructure. We look forward to working with the State Government to secure the necessary funding and ensure long-term solutions for our community,."
On behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, Mayor Cr Halstead invited the Minister to Bass Coast to announce the funding and works plans.
We'll keep the community updated as more details emerge.
