In the December Council meeting, Bass Coast Shire Council unanimously agreed that our communities need urgent action from Government to address the ongoing challenges of coastal erosion impacting Inverloch and Silverleaves.
At Inverloch, the Council will continue to monitor the foreshoreerosion patterns and conditions and advocate to the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) to begin dune stabilisation works as a matter of urgency. A meeting with Victorian Minister for Environment The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos has also been requested.
Installation of safety signage is underway at affected areas of the Inverloch Surf Beach and community information is being developed so isvisitors and locals can easily access the beach and remain safe. A community information board will be created alongside of regular updates to Council's website.
In collaboration with the South Gippsland Conservation Society and local volunteers, planting of native vegetation will be underway soon to stabilise dunes and restore the foreshore ecosystem. Beachgoers may also notice deadwood at the base of dunes. This is in place to help mitigate further erosion and to encourage beach users to keep a safe distance from unstable sand cliffs.
Council will continue to work with DEECA, the community and technical experts on medium- and longer-term options such as geotextile, rock or rock bag walls.
For Silverleaves, Council has agreed to continued monitoring of the foreshore, to undertake emergency works if conditions deteriorate and to advocate for urgent funding to implement further emergency protective measures. A comprehensive plan for the protection and rehabilitation of this valuable public environmental asset will be established by June 2025.
These measures aim to protect the region's coastal assets while balancing community and visitor needs with long-term environmental care.
