Public feedback released on coastal erosion strategy

THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has released a summary of community feedback on coastal erosion strategies for Apollo Bay and Marengo.

More than 90 people submitted feedback at two open house sessions where options for short-term storm remediation, long-term coastal protection works and investment priorities were presented.

Representatives from DELWP, Regional Roads Victoria (RRV), Parks Victoria, Otway Coast Committee (OCC), Colac Otway Shire (COS) and coastal engineers GHD were in attendance to speak with the community.

DELWP regional manager for land and built environment programs Michael Noelker said the open house sessions followed a DELWP commissioned study by GHD, investigating long-term coastal erosion strategies at the two beaches.

“The sessions and online feedback allowed us to hear a range of views from the community about the options presented.

“The feedback has helped us understand the community’s preferences and opinions, and the implications of each option.

“Three areas were covered at the sessions, including what’s planned for storm damage remediation in the shortterm,
potential long-term coastal protection measures and other capital works projects that are being planned on the coastline.”

He said the community listed future coastal protection investment, naming the town foreshore area, Mounts Bay and the Point as the top three priorities.

“We are grateful the local community took the time to provide valuable feedback that will guide the next steps in the process and we would like to thank everyone who came to the open house sessions to review the options.

“DELWP will be working to reinstate access points and repair the foreshore path before the Christmas holidays, weather and conditions permitting.”

The options presented and a summary of the open house sessions is available online at engage.vic.gov.au/apollo-bayandmarengo-erosion.