Report lays bare erosion threats to Queenscliff homes

STARTLING figures show homes at Queenscliff could become exposed to erosion impacts if coastline retreat continues at its projected rate.

Local advocates also fear that their coastal lifestyles could be at risk from mounting threats as authorities continue investigating methods to slow shoreline decline.

Real estate industry researcher CoreLogic has released its coastal risk scores report, which revealed Queenscliff had one of the highest rates of gradual erosion anywhere in Australia.

Methodology analysed shoreline movements and rise in sea levels since 1988 and found that the suburb had the third-highest annual coast retreat rate in the country, and highest in Victoria.

The report found that the average Queenscliff property had a “very high” chance of coastal erosion reaching it within the next 30 years based on current erosion rates.

CoreLogic head of consulting and risk management, Pierre Wiart, said the trend would likely result in negative financial impacts such as to property valuations, home loan viability and insurance premiums, with the total cost estimate up to $25 billion nation-wide.

“In the next three decades, coastal risk will crystalise, with the tangible effects of climate change already being felt in most parts of Australia,” Dr Wiart said.

The research has come as little surprise to local community groups that have actively campaigned for urgent erosion solutions in recent years, and believe its impacts will have further reaching consequences.

Leader of the long-running Save Point Lonsdale Front Beach campaign James Cotton said the loss of coastline, key community infrastructure and homes was a real threat for local communities.

“I wouldn’t say we saw this coming, but we’ve been five or 10 years ahead of all these reports that are coming out now,” Mr Cotton said.

“The frequency and velocity of waves coming through the heads is far greater than what it used to be.

“It’s washed away a lot of the sand at the front beach and has had a significant effect on the seawall.

“Our big concern is that the seawall will fail and we could lose the beautiful promenade we’ve got at the moment.”

The Borough of Queenscliffe (BOQ) and the state government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) co-manage a seawall at the Point Lonsdale beach, which requires regular maintenance due to wave damage.

The seawall is the last line of defence for the community’s promenade against rising wave heights that lash the area.

BOQ is also preparing a Coastal and Marine Management Plan, to which consultation closed in February.

The strategy draws on recommendations from a 2020 DELWP report into coastal erosion, among 269 other sources.

Meanwhile, DELWP last month launched a consultation process into erosion impacts at Queenscliff Dog Beach, which is suffering similar damage from erosion.