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Melina Bath urges action on Inverloch-Cape Paterson erosion as community awaits transparency and long-term funding

The Nationals' Melina Bath has called for urgent state action and funding to address worsening coastal erosion between Inverloch and Cape Paterson, criticising delays, poor communication, and inadequate short-term fixes.

By news@gippsland - 19th June 2025 - Back to News

The Nationals' Melina Bath has in state parliament called on Labor's Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos to urgently act on the escalating coastal erosion crisis between Inverloch and Cape Paterson. Minister Dimopoulos has outstanding responses overdue on important questions asked on the Cape to Cape Resilience Project raised by Ms Bath in February.

Nationals MP Melina Bath urged urgent action from Minister Dimopoulos on worsening Inverloch-Cape Paterson erosion and overdue project responses

Coastline crisis ignored

Ms Bath said residents are watching with growing alarm as the surf beach dunes collapse, infrastructure is undermined, and access to beaches lost. "The sand renourishment works to date have been largely futile - locals are documenting how it is being quickly washed away days after being put in place. The community is seeking commitments and actions instead of Labor's reliance on temporary band aid fixes prior to Stage 1 works commencing in the spring."

Ms Bath criticised the Allan Labor government for its lack of transparency and communication on the Inverloch to Cape Paterson coastline investigation since its inception. "It has been five years since the Cape to Cape Resilience Project began, and the final report still has not been released, despite feedback on the draft report closing nine months ago."

Protect our coastline

Ms Bath also said, "The final plan must be released before these works commence so the community has confidence in the project's final direction and scope. There is justifiable concern that Labor will continue to pursue its retreat strategy despite fierce community opposition. Locals are seeking a long-term funding commitment for adaptation and protection measures over the next decade - the $10 million provided this year, divided between six communities, is insufficient."

"This coastline is home to vibrant communities, vital ecosystems, and cherished public assets. Without urgent action and a long-term funding commitment from the state government to stabilise the coast, many fear the unique environment along with public and private infrastructure will be lost forever," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from South Gippsland Sentinel-Times Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com