Coastal erosion is a significant threat to key community infrastructure within coastal regions.

Within Bass Coast Shire, the coastline at multiple locations around has experienced sustained erosional events in recent years. In particular, the communities of Inverloch and Silverleaves are facing significant threat from coastal erosion with public assets, values and infrastructure are now at risk of damage and loss.

Implementing a range of strategies

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).

Partnership approach

Council is a member of the Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership (RaSP), and we seek certainty that the recommendations from the RaSP report will be funded and delivered. We seek to work with State and Federal governments to measure, manage and mitigate coastal risks for our communities, before these hazards materialise as costly natural disasters.

Emergency works required

In the short term, urgent funding is required for dune stabilisation and emergency works to protect community assets and infrastructure. These facilities are vital for the local community but also support the hugely important tourism industry. The works needed to protect this infrastructure are outside of Council’s normal capital works program and are placing enormous pressures on Council’s already tight budget. Without funding support, Council’s current level of intervention is unsustainable and will need to be reviewed.