Open house sessions to discuss Apollo Bay erosion

OPEN house sessions for the community will be held tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, October 6 to discuss long-term coastal erosion strategies at Apollo Bay and Marengo.

The free public events have been organised by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Regional Roads Victoria (RRV), the Otway Coast Committee of Management (OCC) and Colac Otway Shire (COS)

Options for both short and long-term responses to erosion at Apollo Bay and Marengo will be presented at the sessions.

DELWP regional manager of land and built environment Greg Leece said feedback from the community would provide valuable insights for the next steps taken in managing the coastline near the two towns.

“Coastal engineers at GHD have been working on the long-term options for the project, and we will be presenting these options at the sessions, alongside representatives from DELWP, RRV, OCC and COS.

“We’re seeking community input to help us understand local preferences for coastal management, and the potential implications for each option.”

He said people that were unable to attend the open house sessions could provide feedback online.

“We understand that it’s coming up to peak season for the township, so we will be working to reinstate access points and repair the foreshore path before the Christmas holidays, weather and conditions permitting.

“DELWP and OCC have undertaken emergency sand renourishment and dune reshaping works to fix the immediate risks to the coast, but a long-term treatment option is necessary to protect the beaches and the Great Ocean Road.

“RRV are investigating immediate works at the locations impacted closest to the Great Ocean Road.”

The open house sessions will be held at the Apollo Bay RSL tomorrow (Friday, October 5) from 2-5pm and on Saturday, October 6 from 10am-1pm.