Cr Rochelle Halstead

Earlier this month, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos, and Jordan Crugnale MP announced urgent coastal protection works for Silverleaves and Inverloch.

It was welcome news for our community as we work to safeguard our coastline.  

In Silverleaves, emergency dune and asset protection work is scheduled to commence soon, with completion targeted before the Easter high tides. 

A geotextile bag wall, designed to provide long-term erosion protection, is expected to be installed by the end of August.  

In Inverloch, planning is progressing on works to enhance protection and ensure safe access for the Surf Club, with construction anticipated to be completed by the end of September.

Council officers met with Inverloch residents and DEECA late last week to view project plans and discuss next steps.  

We sincerely thank Jordan Crugnale for her strong advocacy in securing this vital investment for Bass Coast. 

We appreciate her efforts in ensuring these critical works receive the attention they deserve.  

Coastal erosion is a significant challenge for our community, and this funding is an important step in addressing it. 

Our coastline is not only a natural treasure but also vital to our local economy and way of life.

Ensuring its protection is a priority for council, and we will continue working closely with state agencies to see these projects commence as soon as possible. 

While this is a great step forward, I strongly encourage the Victorian Government to continue its strategic focus on long-term coastal management, including the release of the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan and a commitment to a plan for Western Port. 

With recent extreme weather events in Queensland and northern NSW reminding us of the increasing risks posed by coastal erosion, this work could not be more timely. 

I will keep the community updated as these projects progress and look forward to seeing work begin soon.