2024 - RECENT INFORMATION ON PORTSEA SAND LOSS & ACTIONS
824: Constituency Questions
Sam Groth to ask the Minister for Environment —
(824) My question is to the Minister for Environment. My question relates to correspondence the minister received on 22 May this year and a further letter on 24 July this year from Beatty Hughes, acting for the Nepean Ratepayers Association. The association advise there is now new scientific evidence that the erosion of the southern end of Port Phillip has been caused by the channel deepening program, something the Labor government has been trying to deny since 2009. So much for a government which is supposedly all about the science. This is an environmental catastrophe that the Labor government has been covering up for 15 years. My question to the minister is: why has the minister not responded to my constituents who are requesting a mediation process with the government to finally resolve this environmental disaster?
Answer – 9 October 2024
Steve Dimopoulos MP replied to Sam Groths Question
Erosion, along with sand attrition, continues to impact numerous sites along the Victorian coastline, including at Portsea.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has worked in partnership with local land managers such as councils to mitigate coastal hazards and ensure any interventions have a minimal impact on human and environmental health.
DEECA has been in discussion for more than 12 months with Beatty Hughes & Associates, acting on behalf of the Nepean Ratepayers Association, to review the current situation at Portsea beach.
I am advised that DEECA has committed to a further investigation into past assessments, the impacts of climate change at Portsea, and identifying cost-effective, potential remediation options to minimise erosion and other coastal hazards. I have also responded to Beatty Hughes’ request for information and confirmed the Victorian Government’s next steps.
The Victorian Government remains committed to ensuring the protection and enhancement of the more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline around the state.
Steve Dimopoulos MP
Member for Oakleigh
Minister for Environment
2021 - CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN BISSINGER & DELWP
NOTES:
A lot has happened over the years, there have been many studies, reports & opinions – none of them had 100% support. There are no guarantees.
The most accepted report is the Watertech Report which suggests that the shape of the trench is to be modified into an elongated “C” shape, & maintained regularly, this was to change the wave patterns. The cost was over $25M with regular expensive maintenance, as there is no funding in the foreseeable future, I would think it unlikely. State Govt has stepped right back & will not acknowledge responsibility for catastrophic sand loss & damage directly caused by the dredging. Please consider that this report clearly states that changing the sea bed will change the wave action as a fact, yet somehow state govt wont admit that changing the sea bed through dredging caused it to change.
Another practical option was a Rock Groyne which has worked in several areas overseas & with a lower price tag is a real possibility. This idea is being put forward by a local businessman who is doing all he can to progress coastal infrastructure in this area.
Of course my favourite will always be the Sea Baths (linked). I have loved this concept for many years, it would have to have private investment & state govt approval – but still a possibility. It would also work well with the Rock Groyne.