Fight to save beach
Report to seek solution on Point Lonsdale erosion
A LONG-TERM solution for Point Lonsdale’s vulnerable front beach will be sought through an independent review of the frustrating erosion issues.
The State Government has spent more than $330,000 in the past six years on maintaining the beach, known as Lonsdale Blight, with a large focus on repairing the seawall.
However, the works have largely been responsive measures, with the review to recommend sustainable options for long-term sand management.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Greg Leece said the movement of sand frequently happened despite ongoing investment in mitigation projects.
“It’s clear that measures to retain sand in the past have had limited success, and we need to improve our understanding of the area before we consider further investment,” Mr Leece said.
“We share the community’s disappointment when events such as surfing and ocean swimming competitions have to be relocated because the beach has disappeared.
“The lack of sand also exposes the masonry seawall, which is critical to protecting the Point Lonsdale township, to erosion from storm surges, resulting in costly emergency repair work.”
The department has appointed coastal modelling consultancy BMT WBM to undertake the review, which will look at the past 20 years’ research and incorporate contemporary science.
Borough of Queenscliffe chief executive Lenny Jenner said the review was an important step to link the best research and advice to conditions being experienced at the front beach.
“The key challenge we now face is securing funds to invest in improvements that will achieve durable outcomes,” Mr Jenner said.
The report, expected before the end of the year, will be made public.
“We remain committed to involving the community in the development of any proposed actions to manage sand,” Mr Leece said.