Concern for future of peninsula beaches
SEVERE erosion at several Mornington Peninsula beaches have residents fearing for the future of their Port Phillip Bay foreshores.
Inner South
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SEVERE erosion at several Mornington Peninsula beaches have residents fearing for the future of their Port Phillip Bay foreshores.
Mt Martha resident Tim Bates said about two years ago he was able to walk on sand along the Mt Martha foreshore, accessible from Craigie Rd. Now, the water washes up on the retaining wall, which is cracking and crumbling, and there is noticeable erosion.
Council has closed public access to the beach after damage during recent wild weather raised safety issues.
On Mt Martha Beach North, water comes up to beach boxes at low tide and some are inaccessible - with one even collapsing last week.
"This environment hasn't been given the respect it deserves," Mr Bates said.
"The damage is absolutely due to dredging of the bay, without a doubt.
"Just talk to people who live on the peninsula and they'll say the same thing - they're the ones who notice it the most."
Mr Bates contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire and Parks Victoria regarding his concerns and those of other community members, but neither would comment.
"It's time to do something about Mt Martha beach," he said.
"It has been sitting like this for months, but nobody wants to take responsibility."
A report released by Western Port Greenhouse Alliance in June 2008 warned of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding as impacts of climate change.
Peninsula beaches likely to be most affected included West Rosebud, Dromana Shoreham, Frankston, Balnarring and Safety Beach.
Another report by environmental firm Water Technology released earlier this year indicated the severe erosion that has devastated Portsea Front Beach was likely caused by bay dredging.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries did not respond to requests for comment on the likelihood of dredging being the cause of the recent cases of erosion.
"Beaches are a naturally dynamic environment and erosion impacts beaches worldwide, including Victoria," a department spokeswoman said.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire did not respond to requests for comment.
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