At the Ordinary Meeting in December 2024, Council unanimously agreed that our communities need urgent action from Government to address the ongoing challenges of coastal erosion impacting Inverloch and Silverleaves. Bass Coast Shire Council are committed to implementing immediate, medium and long-term strategies to tackle the issue, in collaboration with a range of coastal management groups including the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

For an overview of what this all means, we encourage you to watch this video created by Bass Coast Shire Council, which describes in detail our involvement in the ongoing coastal management works.

Key actions Council have committed to will include monitoring, advocacy for urgent funding, engineering assessments, and community involvement to protect key community values and assets. These proactive measures aim to balance environmental preservation with public access and safety.

The Immediate Action Plan:

• Urgent Funding: Continue to advocate for immediate funding for dune stabilisation and emergency works. Any solutions requiring partial or full funding by Council will need to be incorporated into the 2024/25 budget process, which begins in January, or sourced from the existing 2023/24 budget.

• Collaboration with Agencies: Work with DEECA and other stakeholders to evaluate engineering options and move forward with protection and restoration projects.

• Communication: Ensure the community is kept informed of safe access points and ongoing works, particularly throughout the summer season.

• Monitor Conditions: Continue to monitor foreshore conditions, with emergency works implemented as needed.

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.

These actions reinforce Council’s commitment to protecting the region’s coastal assets while balancing the needs of local communities and visitors. Council aims to safeguard the natural beauty and accessibility of Inverloch and Silverleaves for current and future generations.