Silverleaves Beach at Cowes, Phillip Island at risk permanent inundation due to coastal erosion and rising sea levels
Phillip Island residents are living on the brink of disaster, with coastal erosion at a popular beach putting hundreds of homes at risk of collapsing into the ocean.
Bass Coast News
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Phillip Island residents fear their seaside homes could collapse into the ocean due to rising sea levels and the increasing impact of coastal erosion at a nearby beach.
The eroding shoreline at Silverleaves has been a major concern for locals who fear their homes could be lost if changes aren’t made.
A Marine and Coasts document revealed the eastern shoreline experienced accretion while the western shoreline faced ongoing erosion, receding about 77m since the 1950s.
Sand renourishment works were previously undertaken to help protect the area, but did not provide a long-term solution.
Silverleaves resident Veronica Williams said a king tide, expected to hit Silverleaves in April, could be the “final straw” for homes.
“It’s unbelievable and I’m worried about our safety — how long until the sea levels pass the beach? it’s so close to our homes and we’re not sure how long we have until the worst case scenario happens,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful area and a beautiful beach, but what are we meant to do? we are building our lives here but now I’m thinking to myself, ‘can I live here long-term?’, it’s just that uncertainty.
“The erosion is terrible and anyone who has been to Silverleaves knows the devastation and the state it’s in.”
On January 6, a crowd of more than 300 people protested at the Silverleaves Beach, calling on the Allan labour government to take action.
Nationals member for Eastern Victoria and shadow minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath, member for Eastern Victoria region Renee Heath and member for southwest coast Roma Britnell all attended the public meeting.
Ms Bath said the erosion had rapidly exacerbated in the last few years and was threatening homes.
“The waterline on high tide is frighteningly close to the back doorstep of houses,” she said.
“It’s imperative recommended geotextile revetment is in place before April to protect homes from being lost to king tides and storms through autumn and winter.
“Residents are acutely aware of the imminent threat to their properties — many lay in fear at night wondering if their homes will fall victim to the sea.”
She has sponsored a petition calling on the state government to provide funding for geotextile sandbags, proposed by DEECA, in order to protect homes, public infrastructure and public land in the short term.
But the funding for sand bags could cost as high as $500,000.
“Coastal erosion is a statewide issue, however Silverleaves families are facing losing their homes because of Labor’s inaction – it’s completely unacceptable,” Ms Bath said.
“Once short term mitigation is in place, then there is time to work collaboratively with residents to plan for the longer term.”
The petition requires 2000 in-person signatures or 10,000 online signatures for the issue to be tabled and debated at state parliament.
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Inverloch Surf Beach has also been impacted by coastal erosion, with the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club at risk of being “swept away”.
Hundreds of worried Victorians gathered for a rally at Inverloch Surf Beach on January 5, calling on the state government to “act now” before the area loses its battle to erosion.
The state government was contacted for comment.
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