Ocean Grove community to give feedback on plan to stop coast erosion

FEEDBACK from the Ocean Grove community will play a key role in addressing erosion along the popular Barwon Estuary Walk.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have presented three revetment (retaining wall) design options, and the departments are also calling for feedback on access points to the beach nearby.
Weather events have led to deterioration of the existing protection wall on the eastern riverbank which fronts the Riverview Family Caravan Park.
Community feedback, which is now open, will form part of the decision making process. The three proposals are:

• Option 1: Existing revetment is repaired with extra concrete and rocks. An additional low seawall constructed on the river side of the path, where possible (approximately 80 per cent of pathway). A raised pathway built where construction of seawall is not possible (20 per cent of pathway)
• Option 2: A new interlocked stone revetment. A raised pathway will be built along the
  entire length
• Option 3: Revegetated riverbank with soil improvement works and shallow slope to river. A raised pathway will be built along the
  entire length

Barwon Coast chief executive officer Gary McPike said community and visitor input would be a key part to delivering the project.
“We’re encouraging the community to share their thoughts on the three design options that are available, so their views can be considered in the decision making process.
“We want to avoid coastal erosion at this popular stretch of riverbank, and seeking out the community’s preferences for an upgrade of this site is the first step in that process.’’
Barwon Coast manages 15 kilometres of coastal Crown land through the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads townships, along the Bass Strait coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, and employs more than 50 people.
Submissions for public feedback regarding the design options close on May 20.
More details and images of the design options and proposed works can be viewed at the Engage Victoria website at engage.vic.gov.au/barwonriverrevetment.