Community consultation sought on groyne options

THE Bellarine community is invited to have its say on the preferred option for more groyne locations and materials utilised to maintain sand at Point Lonsdale front beach.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said two open house sessions would be held this month to determine the community’s preference for either timber or rock, and the preferred placement of any potential new groynes at the front beach.

“The Point Lonsdale community knows what they want for their beach, and these open house sessions are about ensuring the community’s voice is heard,” Ms Neville said.

“We have been working with the community to ensure everyone understands both the positive and negative impacts any new coastal infrastructure may have on the front beach.”

The consultation sessions build on extensive work already undertaken between community members, Borough of Queenscliffe and the state government on how to ensure the Point Lonsdale front beach will be enjoyed by generations to come.

In 2018, the community was invited to provide feedback on several groyne options to maintain sand at the Point Lonsdale front beach.

February’s open house sessions will further refine these preferences following a groyne options study by coastal engineers Cardno, released in August 2018, with an aim to reach agreement on one preferred option.

The options report and a summary of engagement can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/lonsdale-bight.

The two open houses are being held at Gill Hall, 1 Albert Street, Point Lonsdale on Friday February 22 between 5pm and 7pm, and Saturday February 23 between 1pm and 3pm.

“I encourage the local community to get down to Gill Hall to learn about the project and help determine the best way forward when it comes to adding new groynes to Point Lonsdale’s front beach,” Ms Neville said.

People who are unable to attend either session can provide feedback online from Friday February 22 to Friday March 8 at the website at engage.vic.gov.au/lonsdale-bight.