Identifying measures to protect Silverleaves shoreline

Bass Coast Shire Council and the Victorian Government are working together to identify measures to protect the shoreline of Silverleaves, Phillip Island from the impacts of coastal erosion.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan met with Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, representatives of DEECA and Chair of Cowes East Foreshore Preventive Action Group (CEFPAG), Ken Hailey on the foreshore at Silverleaves late last week to see the situation first-hand, plus discuss immediate and long-term actions.

Coastlines are dynamic environments that are constantly changing as natural processes like waves, erosion and tidal currents shape and reshape landscapes.

Council, DEECA, the community and researchers have actively monitored the Silverleaves area for many years, which has been impacted recently by significant erosion.

Without further understanding of the scientific coastal processes at Silverleaves, poorly considered works could worsen the erosion and/or transfer the issue further down the beach.

Immediate works will include natural measures such as sand renourishment and the placement of woody debris along the exposed shoreline to break up wave energy.

To understand what is happening at the site and determine adaptation options for the mid to longer term management of erosion, a Coastal Processes Study is planned for later this year.

The report will determine all options for adapting to climate-change-induced sea level rise, plus increased storm activity over coming years and decades.