Inverloch, a popular coastal town in Victoria, is facing significant challenges from coastal erosion that threatens both its environment and infrastructure. As the town grapples with this ongoing issue, a promising solution has emerged: sand dredging from Anderson Inlet. This decision is expected to provide much-needed protection for Inverloch’s dunes, surf beach, and local assets, marking a critical step in the town’s long-term coastal protection efforts.
The Need for Coastal Protection in Inverloch
Inverloch’s coastline has been under increasing pressure from erosion, particularly along the surf beach area. Coastal erosion is not only a natural occurrence but has been exacerbated by extreme weather events and rising sea levels. For a town that relies heavily on its beach for tourism and local businesses, the erosion poses a serious risk to the economy, local safety, and public infrastructure.
Historically, efforts to combat the erosion have been piecemeal, with temporary measures often falling short of providing lasting protection. The urgency for a comprehensive, long-term solution has grown, especially as residents and businesses face mounting concerns about the future stability of the coastline.
Why Anderson Inlet Was Chosen for Sand Dredging
In the search for a sustainable solution, experts explored various options for replenishing the sand on Inverloch’s eroded dunes. Several factors have driven the decision to dredge sand from Anderson Inlet instead of offshore sources.
One of the primary benefits of Anderson Inlet sand is its coarser grain, which is much more effective in stabilizing and protecting dunes compared to offshore sand. Coarser sand is better able to resist erosion, making it an ideal choice for reinforcing the beach and dunes in the long term.
Another significant consideration was the risk of offshore sand dredging, which could damage an underwater Telstra cable and disrupt the extensive exclusion zone in place. This added layer of complexity to the offshore sand option, making Anderson Inlet the more viable and safer choice for the dredging operation.
Consultants, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), recommended the Anderson Inlet option, and community stakeholders also supported this decision after thorough consultations.
Details of the Dredging Operation
The dredging operation is expected to remove approximately 110,000 cubic meters of sand from Anderson Inlet. The sand will then be transported and used to rebuild and reinforce the dunes at Inverloch’s surf beach, where erosion has been most prominent.
This dredging process will take place over a series of phases, with the first stage focusing on the extraction and transportation of sand. The logistics of this operation are carefully coordinated between DEECA, the Bass Coast Shire, and contracted consultants to ensure minimal disruption to local activities and the surrounding environment.
The timeline for the dredging project is set to begin shortly, with the first phase expected to be completed by spring 2025. The community will likely experience some short-term disruptions, such as limited beach access and the presence of machinery, but the long-term benefits of strengthened dunes and improved beach access will far outweigh these temporary inconveniences.
Stakeholder Involvement and Community Engagement
Throughout the planning process, stakeholders from local organizations, including the Inverloch Tourist Association (ITA), the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC), and the South Gippsland Conservation Society (SGCS), played a crucial role in shaping the project. These groups, alongside government agencies, participated in regular consultations and feedback sessions, ensuring that community concerns and priorities were reflected in the final plans.
Several community engagement activities were organized, including pop-up sessions and drop-in meetings, to keep local residents informed and involved in the process. These efforts also provided a platform for residents to voice their opinions and concerns, which were carefully considered by the project team. The collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders has been integral to ensuring that the project is both effective and aligned with the community’s needs.
Environmental Considerations
The dredging project has been designed with environmental sustainability in mind. As part of the overall plan, efforts will be made to minimize the environmental impact of the dredging and ensure that the project aligns with the preservation of local ecosystems. The sand dredged from Anderson Inlet is expected to support the natural restoration of the dunes, while also being monitored to ensure that it does not disrupt local wildlife or coastal vegetation.
In addition to the sand replenishment, the project includes plans for extensive dune stabilisation and re-vegetation work. This will help restore the natural habitat for local flora and fauna, ensuring that the coastal environment remains resilient in the face of future challenges.
What the Community Can Expect
During the dredging operation, the community can expect some short-term disruptions, including limited access to certain parts of the beach and the presence of construction equipment. However, these disruptions will be carefully managed to minimize inconvenience to residents and visitors. Regular updates will be provided, and the project team will work to ensure that public safety and access are maintained throughout the operation.
The long-term benefits of the project include enhanced protection of the dunes, better beach access, and improved coastal resilience. The strengthened dunes will help protect local homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the impacts of erosion, ensuring that Inverloch remains a vibrant and thriving community.
Future Steps and Timelines
The sand dredging operation is part of a larger coastal works project that will continue throughout 2025. Once the dredging phase is complete, further work will be done to stabilize and rehabilitate the dunes, with a focus on re-vegetation and restoring natural habitats. The full project is expected to be completed by spring 2025, and residents can look forward to a more resilient coastline that will better withstand future erosion and climate challenges.
In the coming months, additional design works and plans for dune reconstruction will be finalized, ensuring that the project is fully integrated into the broader coastal management strategy for Inverloch.
Conclusion
The decision to dredge sand from Anderson Inlet marks a critical milestone in the fight against coastal erosion at Inverloch. By choosing a sustainable and effective solution, local authorities and stakeholders are working together to safeguard the town’s dunes, beaches, and infrastructure for generations to come. While short-term disruptions are inevitable, the long-term benefits of this project will ensure a stronger, more resilient coastal environment for Inverloch’s residents and visitors alike.