A PETITION has been launched by the Silverleaves community calling on the Allan Labor Government to urgently fund short term works to save homes from the eroding shoreline.
The petition is sponsored by The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Shadow Minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath who has been working with residents.
Ms Bath said there is a proposed plan by DEECA which includes the implementation of geotextile sandbags to protect homes, public infrastructure and public land in the short term.
“It’s imperative recommended geotextile revetment is in place before April to protect homes from being lost to king tides and storms through autumn and winter,” said Ms Bath.
“The petition is calling for short- and long-term solutions and for the state government to work collaboratively with the community.
“Silverleaves residents are deeply concerned and frustrated by the lack of urgency and feel they are being ignored by the Government.
“Residents are acutely aware of the imminent threat to their properties; many lay in fear at night wondering if their homes will fall victim to the sea.”
Ms Bath said Labor is aware of the dire situation at Silverleaves.
“Once short-term mitigation is in place, then there is time to work collaboratively with residents to plan for the longer term.”
While locals are actively gathering signatures, visitors and locals can also sign it at the Silverleaves Store or the Silverleaves Conservation Society.
The petition follows a protest meeting on Monday in Silverleaves that was attended by 250-300 people, as they call for urgent funding for a system of geotextile bags walls to be erected on the foreshore asap.
Read more at https://www.sgst.com.au/news/300-voices-call-for-urgent-silverleaves-funding
