The Nationals’ Melina Bath has called for urgent funding to address shocking shoreline erosion occurring at Silverleaves at east Cowes.
Advocating for locals in state parliament, Ms Bath said Labor must immediately deliver the promised funding for geotextile sandbags to help protect the community.
“Setback erosion is occurring at an alarming rate – visiting the site you see firsthand the heavy impact on the shoreline and its potential to undermine homes and infrastructure,” said Ms Bath.
“The Allan Government made a commitment to implement urgent action to mitigate coastal erosion, but residents are still waiting.
“The geotextile bags must be in place before the high tides arrive in autumn and the northerly gales in winter are upon us – no one wants to see a loss of infrastructure and homes washed away.
“Locals need urgent action, and not lip service in the form of another Allan Government study, consultants report and news headline that ends up taking years to fund and implement while the coastal erosion continues unabated.”
Ms Bath said geotextile sandbags would offer a protective interim solution to slow erosion –what is also needed is a solid long-term solution to protect the coastline.
“Walking around Silverleaves with the Shadow Minister for Water Tim McCurdy, it is abundantly clear a greater level of adaptation and protection is needed.
“Local environmental groups have been working constructively with authorities; however, nothing can be achieved without state funding.
“Labor’s apathy on urgent coastal erosion issues on the Bass Coast is negligent.
“Locals are justifiably concerned that the Allan Government will revert to its default position of retreat, as it has done with the Inverloch surf beach.
“The Bass Coast needs a long-term adaptation pathway and coastal protection plan that finds the right balance and reflects community values.”
