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Melina Bath urges the Allan government to collaborate on long-term solutions for Silverleaves' coastal erosion crisis

Melina Bath urges the Allan government to collaborate on long-term coastal erosion solutions for Silverleaves, criticising their delayed response and lack of comprehensive planning, following community pressure and activism.

By news@gippsland - 3rd April 2025 - Back to News

The Save Silverleaves petition debate has occurred in state parliament led by The Nationals' Melina Bath MP. Ms Bath said it was time for a reset and called on the Allan government to work collaboratively with the Silverleaves community and local government to plan and implement long term adaptations.

Melina Bath called for a reset, urging the Allan government to collaborate on long-term coastal erosion solutions for Silverleaves

Coastal erosion crisis

Ms Bath said, "To date the Allan government's response to the seriousness of the coastal erosion crisis has been piecemeal and residents felt abandoned. Labor's hand was forced by a combination of community activism and political pressure - the loss of 16 metres of foreshore in two years is unsustainable. The January beachside rally, the tabling of a petition containing 4,440 signatures and the threat of more bad publicity, was clearly a catalyst for action."

"The government's own report from 2024 called for two stages - installation of emergency geotextile revetment by the end of the 2025 summer to buy time; and the development of a long-term plan. While the community is relieved to finally see graders and tip trucks, the geotextile sandbags will not be in place until the end of winter, six months late," she said.

Coastal erosion solutions

Ms Bath said her objective is to work with the community to hold the government to account. "Clearly coastal erosion is a widespread issue impacting other locations such as Inverloch, Loch Sport, and Tooradin in my electorate, however, Labor must reset the agenda and engage with communities for a planned acceptable long term strategy.

"The Silverleaves community deserve certainty for their homes, and this can only be achieved with funding for long-term solutions to manage and mitigate coastal erosion. Labor can't manage coastal erosion and Bass Coast residents are paying the price," concluded Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com