Boost for Cape to Cape Resilience Project

Bass Coast Shire Council’s advocacy efforts continue to pay off for the community with further funding for coastal erosion secured.

Through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, the Federal Government has announced 34 projects Australia wide that will share in $50 million.

The Cape to Cape Resilience Project will benefit from $3.3 million in funding to assist in implementing works prescribed in the Regional Coastal Hazard Assessment, that is being undertaken as part of the project.

This project will reduce disaster risk to critical infrastructure and services for the Inverloch township and surrounding region.

Commenting the latest news, Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said: “Whilst work continues on the Cape to Cape Resilience Project, we saw the need to advocate for funding now to ensure actions can be implemented, rather than wait for funding cycles once the report is adopted.”

“It is anticipated an initial $10 million will be required and this investment from the Federal Government is greatly appreciated.”

“Both in the lead up to and post the Federal election we met with Ministers on the need for urgent funding to mitigate the damage, protect residents and assets and plan for the future. We continue to see great success from meetings both in Canberra and closer to home.”

Council is one of many agencies responsible for managing coastal and marine areas. A Regional and Strategic Partnership (RaSP) brings these agencies together to respond to key issues.

The Inverloch RaSP is the first RaSP established under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, and has 10 partners – Traditional Owners, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and nine agencies with responsibility for managing coastal land, assets and infrastructure in the Inverloch region.

The Inverloch RaSP will work with the community to address ongoing and future coastal erosion and inundation impacts. This includes delivering the Cape to Cape Resilience Project.