NO QUICK FIX: Authority hints at long game to fix Point Roadknight erosion

AN “unprecedented” coastal hazard strategy to address ongoing erosion at Anglesea is in planning from the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA), under a decades-long state project to protect Victorian coasts from climate impacts.

But the area’s land manager has warned it is unlikely to heed mounting calls for immediate solutions to well-documented problems at the Surf Coast town.

GORCAPA says it will soon begin planning for its Anglesea Coastal Hazard Adaptation and Resilience Plan.

The strategy is jointly funded with the State Government’s environment department DEECA, and is part of an “Adapting for 2100+” strategy for coastal management for the remainder of and beyond this century.

The local plan will cover Anglesea’s coast from Point Roadknight to Grinders Point.

Focus areas will include erosion of coastal cliffs, areas near Point Roadknight and low-lying land either side of Anglesea River.

Risks to public buildings such as Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, drainage problems that cause regular flooding of Point Roadknight’s car park and kiosk, an ageing boat ramp and threats to coastal moonah woodlands will also be targeted in the local strategy.

“The plan will be a first for the Great Ocean Road and unprecedented in its depth and scale,” CEO Jodie Sizer said.

“Point Roadknight will be a major focus of this work, which will ultimately provide the best available science and evidence for long-term solutions, as opposed to short-term and ineffective fixes.

“This work will start in coming months and will include extensive consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners and the community.”

Point Roadknight erosion earned national attention last week. Wannon MP Dan Tehan presented a 697-signature petition last month from Anglesea residents that he said were “gravely concerned by the inefficiency” of the Authority.

“Looking after the beach, looking after the boat ramp and looking after the car park; this needs to be done,” Mr Tehan told Parliament last week.

“The community of Anglesea want some action taken.”

The Authority says it has $220,000 for the first phase of its plan, but it has no timelines for delivery of its outcomes.

It indicated that protective actions would likely take a long time to develop, amid fears it could repeat mistakes from earlier decades that have worsened the issue.

“Erosion is one of the biggest challenges we face in managing the Great Ocean Road coastline – a challenge that will only get greater in the face of climate variability and rising sea levels,” Ms Sizer said.

“Point Roadknight is one of several erosion hot spots along the Great Ocean Road, and tackling the issue is complex.

“The reality is the coast is a dynamic environment and the temptation to find a quick fix is fraught with risk. Any man-made changes to the coastline can have unintended consequences for other areas along the coast, potentially causing or exacerbating erosion events.”