Community call to act on ‘dire’ erosion
LIBERAL MP Richard Riordan says the State Government must fast-track initiatives to address “dire” erosion issues at Apollo Bay.
More than 100 residents attended a community meeting held by the state Polwarth MP and federal Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson on Wednesday night.
Mr Riordan said the meeting was called after concerns from frustrated locals desper- ate for immediate action from the State Government over erosion and damage to the Great Ocean Road.
“I have been listening to the locals,” Mr Riordan said.
“I hosted the State Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, on Tuesday in Apollo Bay to see the problem first-hand. The situation is dire. The community knows that and is prepared to work with government to get the best outcome for the coast and the community.”
Apollo Bay community member Victoria Moore said the feeling at the meeting was one of frustration and concern that the government was not acting quickly enough.
“There is a lot of local knowledge and one of the suggestions (was that there needs to be) a reduction in the power of the surf by installing barricades in the Ocean,” Ms Moore said.
“We are mostly worried about the environment and we want the erosion to be dealt with now.”
Otway Forum president Peter Fillmore said residents hoped the meeting would mount pressure on the government to act more swiftly.
He said residents were after “an engineered solution”.
“The fear is the road and private property are under threat,” Mr Fillmore said.
Mr Riordan said the Environment, Land, Water and Planning Department had committed to release an action plan in coming months and consider community feedback.
“They (residents) need to know that they have a beach that is safe and accessible for tourist use,” Mr Riordan said. He said the Coalition policy to develop a single Great Ocean Road authority, if elected, would lead to better investment.
But Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said the Opposition could not be trusted to protect the Great Ocean Road.
“They should get on the phone to (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull and get him to stump up the cash for the Geelong and Shipwreck Coast City Deal,” he said.