GORCAPA to scope future of Lorne’s beaches

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) says it is working on a study that will chart the future for Lorne’s beaches, including North Lorne.

In a letter to the editor of this newspaper published last week, a reader criticised GORCAPA and its precedessor the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee about erosion at the North Lorne car park and the ineffectiveness of the works that had been done so far.

The letter suggested very large stones similar to those used near Point Grey should have been placed at North Lorne instead of small ones, but a GORCAPA spokesperson said smaller rocks were the best option.

“Works along the coast require careful planning and consent under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.

“Part of the erosion issue in North Lorne is related to water flowing from the inland side of the Great Ocean Road.

“Smaller rock, clay and geotextile has been placed here to help manage the water flowing overland.

“We do not have Marine and Coastal Act consent for the placement of larger rocks on the beach as this can create unintended changes to the beach and cause nearby erosion called terminal scour, typically downcurrent of the hard structure.”

The spokesperson also rejected the letter’s request to only prune a tree in the car park instead of cutting it down.

“The tree in question was removed following our annual arborist tree risk inspection. This tree was rated as high risk and recommended for removal.

“Trimming was not sufficient to reduce the risk.”

The spokesperson said GORCAPA was presently scoping a “coastal process study” for Lorne as part of its ongoing planning around climate change impacts.

“The Authority is looking to contract a coastal engineer to complete the coastal process study.

“This work will provide additional understanding of the erosive processes in this area and will provide a basis for climate change adaptation planning to be undertaken at North Lorne.

“The community will be consulted as part of the adaptation planning process and consideration given to cultural, environmental, social and economic values in the study area.

“All works along the coast must meet the planning requirements of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.”

According to the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Marine and Coasts website, erosion is “a naturally occurring process impacting many parts of Victoria’s coastline”.

“Coasts are dynamic environments impacted by storms that are increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change,” the website says.

“At some locations this erosion is occurring at a fast rate and is impacting important community assets or infrastructure.

“To plan for and mitigate these impacts, DELWP works with other relevant authorities to develop new Coastal Adaptation Plans.

“The plans identify short and long-term options for authorities to manage the impacts.”

Coastal Adaptation Plans already exist for Wye River, Eastern View and Ocean Grove.