THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) says it is working on a study that will chart the future for Lorne\u2019s beaches, including North Lorne.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorks along the coast require careful planning and consent under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cPart of the erosion issue in North Lorne is related to water flowing from the inland side of the Great Ocean Road.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmaller rock, clay and geotextile has been placed here to help manage the water flowing overland.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson also rejected the letter\u2019s request to only prune a tree in the car park instead of cutting it down.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tree in question was removed following our annual arborist tree risk inspection. This tree was rated as high risk and recommended for removal.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrimming was not sufficient to reduce the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson said GORCAPA was presently scoping a \u201ccoastal process study\u201d for Lorne as part of its ongoing planning around climate change impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Authority is looking to contract a coastal engineer to complete the coastal process study.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll works along the coast must meet the planning requirements of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning\u2019s (DELWP) Marine and Coasts website, erosion is \u201ca naturally occurring process impacting many parts of Victoria\u2019s coastline\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoasts are dynamic environments impacted by storms that are increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change,\u201d the website says.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt some locations this erosion is occurring at a fast rate and is impacting important community assets or infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo plan for and mitigate these impacts, DELWP works with other relevant authorities to develop new Coastal Adaptation Plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plans identify short and long-term options for authorities to manage the impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coastal Adaptation Plans already exist for Wye River, Eastern View and Ocean Grove.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) says it is working on a study that will chart the future for Lorne\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n