Department backs beach renourishment

THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is confident its response to erosion on the northern Bellarine’s beaches is the right one, despite some criticism on social media.

Parts of the Bellarine Peninsula are experiencing erosion from natural processes, storms and climate change, which is affecting the foreshore, and five beaches – two in Indented Head and three in St Leonards – were chosen for renourishment works following an independent assessment of Port Phillip Bay in 2019.

DELWP’s website on the renourishments states the sand placed on the beach will provide an immediate buffer to storms and rising sea levels, safeguarding key assets and infrastructure along the coastline.

“The sand deposited at the sites will naturally shift over time, moving along and around the Bellarine coastline, increasing the width of beaches and providing foreshore protection.”

A post on the Bellarine Community Noticeboard last week claimed the sand used in the renourishment had moved over seagrass meadows and some local inshore reefs – and illustrated the issue with photos – and questioned the cost and environmental impact of the practice, as well as its effectiveness given the need to keep dredging the sand and putting it on the beach.

A DELWP spokesperson said the department had completed four beach renourishments – two at St Leonards and two at Indented Head – in the past couple of years.

“Dredged material from the harbours at St Leonards and Portarlington and boat ramps along the Bellarine are also transported to other beaches experiencing erosion.

“Environmental surveys recommended that sand be placed on the beach rather than offshore to minimise impact on littoral seagrass meadows. The sand then naturally moves around depending upon both calm and storm conditions. Ongoing monitoring will be undertaken to inform future beach renourishment works.”

The spokesperson said the beach renourishment program spanned across the northern Bellarine coastline and includes a strategy to manage the sand supply, including monitoring, maintenance, and renewal of the beach assets for the next 10 to 15 years.

“Monitoring will include drone surveys and yearly shoreline investigations.

“Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ will provide a statewide approach for coastal hazard risk management and adaptation.”

This approach is being developed through a collaborative process, including a project partnership with Traditional Owners, and a working group including representatives from coastal councils, committees of management, catchment management authorities, government agencies, water authorities and peak body groups, and the first implementation of the framework and guidelines will take place from early this year.