Bass Coast Shire Council Responding to Recent Erosion
Bass Coast Shire Council is responding to the recent erosion of a number of beaches across the Shire caused by extremely high tides, combined with strong winds and large swells.
As a manager of coastal reserves, Council’s initial response has been to assess affected areas and undertake works to protect public safety.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Jordan Crugnale, said that the second step in Council’s response is to undertake works required to reopen closed tracks or provide longer term solutions.
“In some instances, this can be as simple as moving sand around with machinery; however, in other locations this may take longer, due to the need to find funding and approvals for larger scale infrastructure works,” Cr Crugnale said.
One of the areas impacted most by recent erosion is the section of the Cowes Main Beach between the Cowes Jetty and Mussel Rocks, including the grassed embankment.
“Council understands that this is one of the most popular and iconic foreshores in the municipality, so works and future planning must take this into consideration,” Cr Crugnale said.
At this beach, Council initial response was to reduce any risk to the public by restricting access with temporary fencing and signage. At the western end of the bay, an excavator has moved beach sand to reinstate the eroded embankment.
“This short-term response was required to cover irrigation piping that was exposed by the erosion, posing an immediate risk. The works have also been used as a trial to determine the effectiveness of sand renourishment,” Cr Crugnale concluded.
