THERE may be differing views on how best to tackle the erosion problems at the Inverloch Surf Beach and the threat it poses to infrastructure, including the surf lifesaving club, roads and houses.
But ahead of a busy summer, common ground has been reached on safety.
Community groups, including the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club, the Inverloch Tourism Association and the South Gippsland Conservation Society, all members of an inter-agency working group which includes representatives of DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) and the Bass Coast Shire Council, have put their names to a plan to improve beach safety.
“The extensive coastal erosion now affecting Inverloch Beach is receiving constant media attention,” they say.
“We are aware that a $3.2M funds package has been assigned by the Federal Government for DEECA to implement a Dune Renourishment program starting around Spring 2025.
“The immediate and concerning issue is safe beach access and use this summer starting in a few weeks. An Inter-Agency Working Group is already set up to take responsibility for beach management but the pressing matter of beach safety/operation this summer must be addressed.
“A community group comprising Inverloch Tourism Association (ITA), Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club and South Gippsland Conservation Society has developed an Outline Plan for safe beach operation throughout this summer and wish to see this implemented in time for the upcoming holidays.”
“We appreciate that the Council alone is trying its best in reacting to sand erosion events such as last (previous) Sunday night. We as a community group are offering to help quickly implement a broad-scale plan that addresses our prime concern of public safety/safe beach,” according to ITA President Glen Morris.
“And if ever this needed demonstrating then one only has to inspect the beach access point at the end of Wave Street. This access point is washed away leaving a five-metre drop from the access path to the beach below – a major hazard and risk to public safety related to sand dune collapse.”
Mr Morris has since advised that work has been done to make several of the main access points safe however, he has stressed, that while access tracks on the town side of Ozone Street can be made safe, access points between Ozone and the surf club need to be closed and fenced off.
The community group proposal for safe use of Inverloch beach this summer involves a seven-point plan;
1. Close off all beach access tracks between Ozone Street and the surf lifesaving clubhouse by installing temporary barrier fencing across, five metres either side of the entrance pathway. (The existing small warning signs are not a sufficient barrier to public use of the tracks). In addition, consider the installation of a continuous barrier fencing along the base of the dune to prevent members of the public from attempting to climb the dunes.
2. Commence enhanced dune management work in these closed-off areas.
3. Establish a Community Bus system for beach users to be transported from vantage points in town and near the beach to/from the surf lifesaving club.
4. Install effective terminal protection works for the surf lifesaving club area by establishing suitable/effective protection works 20-25 metres on each side of the existing sandbag barrier which prevents further dune loss.
5. Re-establish effective protected beach access at the surf club for members of the public and for lifesavers and their equipment.
6. Implement a comprehensive ongoing communications plan to ensure visitors to the beach are aware of how to access the beach during the summer and respect these guidelines.
7. Incorporate activities that encourage the community to embrace the restrictions on places of access.
The group has suggested that community groups and volunteers from the general community be invited to help install the temporary fencing and to act as ‘Beach Ambassadors’ over the summer.
Community buses could be hired now from private contractors.
They believe the increased interaction with visitors and locals alike could have a beneficial effect.
What next?
Mr Morris said: “We are keen to work with Council and DEECA on this outline proposal before putting together a joint plan for the summer in time for the tourist season. We have opened up dialogue with Council and DEECA on our initiative and are encouraged by Council’s willingness to meet and discuss our concerns and the plan. Hopefully, we can work constructively with them in the next few weeks.”