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Melina Bath calls for urgent funding to address coastal erosion threatening Silverleaves at East Cowes

Melina Bath calls for urgent state funding to address severe shoreline erosion at Silverleaves, emphasizing the need for geotextile sandbags and a long-term coastal protection plan to safeguard homes and infrastructure.

By news@gippsland - 3rd December 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals' Melina Bath has called for urgent funding to address shocking shoreline erosion occurring at Silverleaves at east Cowes. Advocating for locals in state parliament, Ms Bath said Labor must immediately deliver the promised funding for geotextile sandbags to help protect the community.

Labor must fund sandbags for Silverleaves to prevent further damage. Coastal erosion is severely impacting the area, witnessed firsthand by Tim McCurdy and Melina Bath

Erosion demands action

Ms Bath said, "Setback erosion is occurring at an alarming rate - visiting the site you see firsthand the heavy impact on the shoreline and its potential to undermine homes and infrastructure. The Allan government made a commitment to implement urgent action to mitigate coastal erosion, but residents are still waiting."

"The geotextile bags must be in place before the high tides arrive in autumn and the northerly gales in winter are upon us - no one wants to see a loss of infrastructure and homes washed away."

"Locals need urgent action, and not lip service in the form of another Allan government study, consultants report and news headline that ends up taking years to fund and implement while the coastal erosion continues unabated," she said.

Protecting Bass Coast

Ms Bath said geotextile sandbags would offer a protective interim solution to slow erosion - what is also needed is a solid long-term solution to protect the coastline. "Walking around Silverleaves with the Shadow Minister for Water Tim McCurdy, it is abundantly clear a greater level of adaptation and protection is needed.

"Local environmental groups have been working constructively with authorities; however, nothing can be achieved without state funding. Labor's apathy on urgent coastal erosion issues on the Bass Coast is negligent."

"Locals are justifiably concerned that the Allan government will revert to its default position of retreat, as it has done with the Inverloch surf beach. The Bass Coast needs a long-term adaptation pathway and coastal protection plan that finds the right balance and reflects community values," he said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback for the UOMO draft legislation, submit feedback by 19 October 2025
  East Gippsland Council welcomes Federal UOMO draft legislation, aiming to expand reliable mobile coverage, improve emergency services, and ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities. Feedback is open until 19 October 2025.
• East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• East Gippsland libraries launch CloudLibrary, offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere
  East Gippsland Libraries have launched CloudLibrary, giving members free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, supporting learning, leisure, and digital inclusion across the region.
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• East Gippsland Youth Art Prize 2025 celebrates creativity, talent, and next generation artists
  East Gippsland’s 2025 Youth Art Prize showcased young artists aged 12–25, celebrating creativity, talent, and community engagement, with winners announced at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in Bairnsdale.
• East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
  The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
  This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide."
• East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
  From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
  Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region.
• East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
  The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.
• East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
  Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• 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.
• East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
  Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland’s critically endangered Redgum Woodlands and seasonal herbaceous wetlands
  EGCMA and partners are restoring Gippsland’s Critically Endangered Redgum Woodlands and Wetlands, planting native species, improving habitats, and tackling threats across 15 key sites for long-term conservation.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
  Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• 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.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Seven students completed East Gippsland Water Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience and development on skills
  Seven university students completed East Gippsland Water’s Vacation Student Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, communications, IT, and environmental planning, preparing them for future careers in the water industry.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
  Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.
• Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
  Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial.
• 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.
• Jodie Ashworth elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor
  Jodie Ashworth, first elected in 2024, has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor, pledging strong, transparent, and future-focused leadership.
• Free visitor information materials help East Gippsland businesses guide visitors quickly and easily summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council is providing free QR-code posters, stickers and magnets to help businesses quickly connect visitors with maps, attractions, events and essential information via the Visit East Gippsland website.
• Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman honoured as East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens for leadership, inspiring community change
  Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman, East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens, are recognised for inspiring youth through leadership, courage, advocacy, community service, and transforming challenges into positive impact locally.
• Baw Baw Council and community oppose large-scale solar, battery projects threatening prime farmland and farming livelihoods
  Baw Baw Council and community express strong concerns over poorly sited solar and battery projects threatening prime farmland, seeking transparency, consultation, and protection of local farming livelihoods and regional character.
• Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
  Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Community invited to join Project Reference Group shaping East Gippsland’s future aquatic strategy and facilities planning
  East Gippsland community members are invited to join a Project Reference Group to help shape the new Aquatic Strategy, guiding future facility planning, investment, and service delivery across the shire.
• Vegas Fitzmaurice exhibition at Cowes Berninneit Art Gallery from 1 November to 6 December 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Millowl - A Mother's Element by Vegas Fitzmaurice, a heartfelt tribute to motherhood, nature, and Phillip Island's elemental beauty. Exhibition runs 1 Nov - 6 Dec 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Forge Theatre handed to community for IMMERSIVE takeover and East Gippsland Creative Summit launch on 28 March 2026
  IMMERSIVE hands East Gippsland’s Forge Theatre to the community for a month, culminating in the Creative Summit, celebrating local creativity, collaboration, and connection while bringing the Shire’s Culture and Creativity Strategy to life.
• 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.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• 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.