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Bass Coast Shire Council advocates for urgent coastal erosion action in Inverloch and Silverleaves with Minister Steve Dimopoulos

Bass Coast Shire Council met with Minister Steve Dimopoulos to push for urgent action on coastal erosion in Inverloch and Silverleaves. Funding decisions are expected soon, with work progressing as quickly as possible.

By news@gippsland - 30th January 2025 - Back to News

Yesterday, on behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead and Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari met with The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment. This was an opportunity for council to share with the Minister the concerns of the community and to seek urgent action and investment in physical works at Inverloch and Silverleaves in response to coastal erosion and inundation.

Joining the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Greg Box, General Manager Teena Hale Pennington, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, and DEECA officials for this vital discussion

Addressing coastal erosion

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were joined by Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Greg Box and General Manager Innovation & Engagement, Teena Hale Pennington as well as Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale and Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) officials for this important conversation.

Minister Dimopoulos acknowledged the serious impact coastal erosion and storm events were having on Bass Coast communities. Residents of Inverloch and Silverleaves have been living with the increasing threat of erosion and inundation, affecting access, safety, and the long-term future of their coastal environment.

The Minister confirmed that funding applications are under active consideration by the State Government Cabinet and the Treasurer. State Government leadership is vital. Urgency is needed to ensure adequate protection from storms and Easter high tides and medium-longer term coastal erosion protection strategies are implemented.

Pushing for action

Minister Dimopoulos assured the council that decisions are expected soon, with work progressing as quickly as possible. Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said, "We appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet with us today and hear firsthand the concerns of our community."

"We need urgent investment and the commencement of works to protect our coastline, homes, and public infrastructure. We look forward to working with the State Government to secure the necessary funding and ensure long-term solutions for our community," said Cr Halstead.

On behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, Mayor Cr Halstead invited the Minister to Bass Coast to announce the funding and works plans. We'll keep the community updated as more details emerge.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com