Portsea Coastal Protection Works About to Begin

The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) will soon begin design of a new rock seawall to protect the foreshore, coastal road and community assets at Portsea front beach.

The new seawall will provide long term protection for Portsea foreshore and additional works will improve access to the beach east of the seawall and the amenity of the foreshore area.

According to DELWP, the seawall and works will cost around $3 million and will be funded under the new Protection of Victoria’s Iconic Beaches and Coastline program.

The program sets out an integrated, risk based approach to managing Victoria’s 2000km coastline and provides $15 million over four years for coastal protection infrastructure works, including seawalls.

The decision to replace the existing sandbag seawall with a rock seawall follows the completion of an independent options assessment by consulting firm Advisian.

DELWP Regional Director (Port Phillip) Kelly Crosthwaite said: “The erosion at Portsea front beach is a complex issue and I understand the concerns of local businesses and residents who value the beach.”

“In reviewing other options assessed and put forward by the community, we considered the high estimated costs involved, as well as their technical uncertainty and potential impact on other parts of the coast,” Ms Crosthwaite said.

Portsea beach is one of many beaches along Victoria’s 2000km coastline that is valued by the community and visitors alike.

Government invests in coastal protection work where it can provide maximum benefit to the community, where it is cost-effective, and where it minimizes coastal hazards.