Inverloch, Cowes, Kilcunda: Bass Coast beaches at risk of disappearing because of coastal erosion

It’s one of Victoria’s most visited holiday destinations but beaches in Bass Coast are at risk of disappearing. See the shocking comparisons here.

The beach at one of Victoria’s most visited holiday destinations is “one storm away” from disappearing.

Bass Coast Council says $12 million is desperately needed from the federal government to save Inverloch’s beach.

With 40 per cent of its revenue coming from visitors, mayor Michael Whelan said the economy would be “fundamentally” compromised without it.

“We are the most dependent economy in the whole of Victoria on visitors. We need to take urgent action,” he said.

Mr Whelan added: “It’s been ignored for long enough and now it is biting us on the backside.”

The worst affected area is Wreck Creek at Inverloch where 70m of sand has been lost in the past decade.

Other beaches across Bass Coast — including Cowes East, Grantville, Jam Jerrup and Kilcunda — are also being impacted.

And coastal mapping of the Inverloch shoreline shows it will only get worst with rising sea levels and storm tides over the next 10 to 80 years.

Simon Woodland, council’s environmental scientist, said the impacts were devastating.

“Over recent years, people have literally watched the ocean advance and dunes collapse in front of them, and they feel helpless,” he said.

“It’s hard to argue with the sea and if we don’t take action now, we will lose the precious coastline at Inverloch. Every day counts when it comes to protecting these beaches.”

It comes after Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club needed protecting in 2020 and a section of the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Kilcunda was relocated last year.

Conservation works, including the construction of groynes and rock walls, are underway in Cowes East on Phillip Island, to protect the beach.

But council says this is a short-term solution as they require ongoing maintenance and present other problems.

“They fall down and we lose the beach in front of them, they’re not the answer,” Mr Whelan said.

“Evidence based solutions will give us the optimum outcome. We are looking for money now for urgent works but after research is complete we’ll be budgeting for longer term solutions.

“With the predicted effects of climate change and population growth this is now an urgent issue.”