TIME is running out for Inverloch’s iconic surf beach and sand dunes.
A newly formed Inverloch Foreshore Action Group on Facebook has attracted hundreds of members and is committed to saving the Inverloch beach and foreshore.
“Close to four hundred members have signed up in less than a week with new members joining every day,” said convenor Paul Cross.
“Four beach tracks have closed already,” said Mr Cross.
“That’s every track between Ozone Street and the lifesaving club. Only Ozone Street is open.
“Residents from Surf Parade and Lohr Avenue are most concerned.”
Paul and his wife retired to Inverloch seven years ago and are alarmed at the rate at which the sand dunes are disappearing.
“Inverloch is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia,” said Mr Cross.
“It’s greatly appreciated by local residents and dog lovers.
“When we are out walking everyone catches up with each other.”
Mr Cross says in the last seven years 70 metres of beach track has been washed away.
Keith Godridge former engineer for Woorayl Shire says the beach track opposite Ozone Street was once 120 metres long but is now just 50 metres.
“That’s ten metres a year average loss.
“I’ve lived in Inverloch for 28 years and I’ve seen the changes.
“I remember the dunes when they were so big it was difficult to get to the beach with the surf coming in and the beach packed with holidaymakers,” said Mr Godridge.
“My grandchildren were little nippers at the lifesaving club.
“I’ve seen how wonderful the surf lifesaving club is for the young ones.
“If we do nothing the tide will be up to the road in five years.”
“You can already see the sea from parts of Surf Parade,” added Mr Cross.
“As an engineer, I can see the risk to the houses, sewers and even the pumping station,” said Mr Godridge.
“If that goes, well the whole town’s sewerage would be at risk.”
Mr Cross said few people realise a major telecommunications link carrying data and voice traffic from Tasmania coming in at the lifesaving club is also at risk.
“It’s 30 metres from being exposed,” said Mr Cross.
Members of the Inverloch Foreshore Action Group say what DEECA (Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) wants to do is unacceptable.
“DEECA wants to do nothing and let nature take its course,” said Mr Cross.
“The last storm was the worst I’ve seen. You could see the trees falling from the cliff face.”
Mr Cross has already witnessed children digging at the bottom of the eroded cliffs where sand can fall like an avalanche.
“Sand falling from the eroded cliffs could end up on top of beachgoers,” said Mr Cross.
“It’s highly dangerous.”
By comparison to Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean, which has also had its own fair share of erosion problems, DEECA agreed to use rocks to protect Apollo Bay, spending millions of dollars, but has only suggested ‘retreat and adapt’ for Inverloch.
“Let the dunes retreat and people will have to adapt and rebuild,” said Mr Cross.
DEECA’s response was Apollo Bay is an extremely popular town and people drive past.
“Their attitude is that Inverloch can go under yet we’re a bigger town than Apollo Bay,” said Mr Cross.
The Inverloch Foreshore Action Group wants hard engineering, rocks, and sandbags for the Inverloch surf beach.
“Sandbags work well for a few years then they break down, so they are not a permanent solution.
“Placing sand on the beach is clearly not a solution either as this has been done several times over recent years and within days it is gone.”
Traditionally the worst storms are at Easter according to Mr Godridge.
“You can get storms anytime now.
“We’re facing Bass Strait totally exposed to the S.W. winds.”
Running a tape measure along the length of the access track at Ozone Street Mr Godridge and Mr Cross measured 53 metres.
“In five years, the dunes will be gone,” said Mr Godridge.
On Sunday, January 5 a major public rally will be held on the beach in front of the surf lifesaving club at 2pm.
Triple Olympic gold medallist and member of Australia’s oarsome foursome Drew Ginn OAM who grew up here and still surfs the local breaks will be a guest speaker.
Over a thousand holidaymakers and local residents are expected at the rally which will be chaired by former Liberal Leader and committed advocate for the protection of Inverloch foreshore Alan Brown AM.
Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club President Glenn Arnold and Inverloch Tourism and Traders Association President Glenn Morris will also be guest speakers.
“It is unacceptable for the State Government to let nature take its course and do nothing,” said Mr Cross.
“The Inverloch lifesaving club, hundreds of houses and the Bunurong coastal road linking Inverloch to Cape Paterson, the RACV Resort, Eagles Nest and Shack Bay will be lost.
“There are many options available to the State Government including rocks and digging down or pile driving to construct a permanent barrier.”
“Sandbags do work but they are not permanent.”
“Breakwaters and groynes should also be considered as was the case at Apollo Bay,” said Mr Cross.
The Foreshore Action Group says a concrete wall was built 90 years ago by returned diggers outside the Inverloch Bowls Club and is still there to this day.
“Government needs to be forced to act. It is time for people to have their voices heard.”
For more information about the rally at the Inverloch surf beach on January 5 go to the Inverloch Foreshore Action Group on Facebook facebook.com/groups/ 3555316291433437.