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Melina Bath calls for urgent action on Silverleaves coastal erosion, criticising delayed government response and funding

Melina Bath (Eastern Victoria) introduced a petition with 4,441 signatures, urging urgent government action on Silverleaves' coastal erosion.

By news@gippsland - 7th April 2025 - Back to News

I move that the petition be taken into consideration. I thank the 4441 people who signed this petition, which should never have had to happen. As I start my contribution I would like to thank particularly:

• Natalie Gray and Mary Hughes
• Dr Stephen and Penny Lapin
• Ken Hailey and his wife
• Tristan White
• Louise Hill
• Eddie Lynch - and I thank Eddie for coming down today
• Silverleaves Conservation Association
• Bass Coast Shire Councillors, united by their concern on this, and particularly mayor Rochelle Halstead

And the 300 other people stood on 6 January in the pouring rain to show their concern for what is happening at Silverleaves with the coastal erosion issue. They stood beside banksias that had fallen over and they stood near waves, concerned that on those windy nights at those high-tide times that they would actually come crashing into their backyards and into their homes.

Melina Bath criticised the government's insufficient $10 million funding and called for collaboration between local, state, and federal stakeholders

Urgent action needed

This is the reality of Silverleaves, a most beautiful community that has been drawn together out of adversity, and they should never have had to be in this position that we are debating in this motion today. I just want to read the actual motion, because it is in two parts.

The petition says that we call on the Government to urgently fund and implement the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action's proposed geotextile revetment to protect homes, public infrastructure and public land in the short term.

And this is where it comes into effect - work collaboratively with the Silverleaves community to plan and fund long-term solutions to mitigate and manage coastal erosion. This government has known about this coastal erosion issue at Silverleaves since 2022.

Demands immediate action

The erosion has been accelerating since 2022, and certainly it has been heavily impacting; it has been at an alarming rate of 16 metres in the past two years. What that says is that the government must act, but it has actually had its head in the sand, and unfortunately now that sand has washed away due to erosion.

The government knew about it in 2023. It knew about it when the department triggered a process, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action's (DEECA) own study.

The Silverleaves Coastal Processes Study Summary was handed to the government in the middle of 2024. The member for Bass has known about this since that time. She has not been beating her chest; she has not been beating a path to the door of the Minister for Environment. It has taken this community activism for this to occur.

Urgent coastal intervention

In November last year I raised the issue. The government has had a DEECA plan for geotextile sandbag revetment, as it is called, for emergency works to sandbag that community while a long-term plan can be introduced and worked through with the community, but the government has ignored it.

The concern that is facing these wonderful people of Silverleaves is that it was meant to be implemented over summer, because now we have got Easter around the corner, and indeed with those Easter king tides and the weather - we have got winter coming on - these people really face the loss of their homes and infrastructure because of this.

This is too late, but thank goodness it is actually occurring today - and I know that many of them have been down on the beach today watching sand being moved. In fact it is going to cost the government more money for these short-term emergency works, because they are shifting sand today, and then later on, to be finished by August, they are going to have these sandbags completed for the short term. This is an action that should have been undertaken prior to this.

Urgent coastal action

I say to the community: thank you very much for working with me and others who were down there supporting you, and the council. You are activists - you should not have to be activists to save your own homes when the government has been clear in understanding the urgency of this.

The government came out on 7 March and they said, '$10 million - $10 million for Silverleaves, for Inverloch surf club and the Inverloch foreshore, for Loch Sport, for Tooradin, for Warrnambool and for Black Rock.' Not $10 million each, but $10 million between them - that is insufficient.

To come out on 7 March and say, 'Look, we're saving that,' is unfair and unkind to these very good people - and I will be speaking at the end of this. I thank people for listening and I thank people for contributing. We need action on this coastal erosion, and this is the dearest priority going round.

Coastal erosion solutions

This is time for a reset now. The government is aware of this. They have been aware of it, but the issue has been highlighted. The next stage is working collaboratively with the Silverleaves community to plan and fund long-term solutions and to mitigate and manage coastal erosion. It is a huge issue. Inundation is a massive issue. Erosion is an issue.

This government now has the opportunity to turn over a new leaf and work with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the local council and the federal government to plan what comes next, because people's homes are their castles, and if the government is just going to do this and then walk away, people need to know. They need to be aware of what is to befall them.

Coastal adaptation plans involve taking a holistic approach and creating a vision for the whole community so that people have certainty in what they are living in and how they can invest - or not - in their homes.

Addressing coastal erosion

At Silverleaves the state government has finally come to an understanding that this is a serious problem. The insurance companies know; their premiums are skyrocketing because of this coastal erosion.

Melbourne Water, Bass Coast and VCAT have also reinforced the seriousness of this problem. The planning scheme also needs to create a commitment to Silverleaves and those other areas like Silverleaves we have mentioned through state policy and strategic planning.

This community matters, as all communities should matter. We need to be able to feel confident that this government will sit down and listen to this community and plan for the long term, not take the lax piecemeal approach which has brought us to this point where community activism must force the hand of government. I ask the minister to work with the community for the best outcome for that community.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
  The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
  Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Government was light on details about fuel and fertiliser plans, says Darren Chester
  Darren Chester urges the Albanese government to ensure fuel and fertiliser prioritisation for agriculture and food production, warning supply disruptions from the Iran conflict threaten farmers, exports and Australian household budgets.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
  Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states.
• Albanese government criticised for unfair Australia-EU trade deal undermining farmers and dairy producers’ rights
  The Albanese government’s Australia-EU trade deal is criticised for weak market access, unfair geographic restrictions, and disadvantageous Australian farmers, particularly dairy and red meat producers, according to industry leaders.
• Allan Labor government misled East Gippsland over Paynesville Road inspections, leaving "rollercoaster" section untested, says Tim Bull
  The Allan Labor government misled East Gippsland by failing to inspect the problematic Paynesville Road section, delaying repairs and leaving the "rollercoaster" stretch untested for nearly three years, says Tim Bull.
• Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
  The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills.
• Allan Labor government reverses Newhaven Jetty closure following persistent community and Nationals’ advocacy victory
  The Allan government has reversed Newhaven Jetty’s permanent closure after 18 months of Nationals’ advocacy and tireless community campaigning, securing a safe, accessible jetty for locals and visitors
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Tim Bull slams government’s restrictive, confusing emergency levy exemptions failing CFA volunteers across Gippsland
  Tim Bull says the government’s flawed levy exemptions are too complex and restrictive, leaving CFA volunteers frustrated, excluded, and unsupported, and is urging the Minister to simplify the process.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
  Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to disclose Gippsland South public housing vacancies amid growing local housing crisis
  Danny O’Brien has urged the Allan Labor government to disclose how many public housing homes in Gippsland South are vacant, highlighting community frustration and the urgent need for transparency.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Blue Rock Lake foreshore track to be protected with erosion control and revegetation works
  Erosion control works at Blue Rock Lake will protect 130 metres of foreshore track, ensure continued access, and support lake health, with community planting to restore native vegetation and fish habitat.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
• Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Coalition and crossbench Senators reject Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing consultation failures, appeal rights removal
  Coalition and crossbench Senators oppose the Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing lack of consultation, threat to veterans’ appeal rights, and overwhelming stakeholder opposition, urging its complete abandonment.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Darren Chester urges immediate European Carp control virus release by 2028 to protect Australian waterways
  Darren Chester urges urgent action against European carp, supporting the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push to release the carp herpes virus by 2028 to protect waterways and native biodiversity.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Eastern Victoria to receive over $1M for improved walking, cycling, and regional transport links
  Eastern Victoria communities will benefit from over $1 million in funding for walking, cycling, and bus stop upgrades, improving local transport links through the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
  Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
  Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.