Portarlington beach renourishment works begin
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has announced that Portarlington's beach renourishment project will commence in mid-August and be completed by late September.
The project is part of the Victorian Coalition Government's $9.54 million Protection of the Port Phillip Beaches and Foreshore Program which is funding renourishment projects at high priority beaches around Port Phillip Bay between 2011 and 2015.
Member for Western Victoria David Koch said the project aims to protect the popular Portarlington beach from the effects of coastal erosion to ensure both residents and visitors continue to enjoy this wonderful northern Bellarine asset for many years to come.
"The need for beach protection works at Portarlington was identified following an assessment of coastal erosion around Port Phillip Bay. The project will improve public amenity by widening Portarlington's main recreation beach by up to 10 metres," Mr Koch said.
A community consultation process which started in 2010 highlighted a preference for using local sand wherever possible and Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) project managers have confirmed that the sand accreted at Point Richards will be used in the renourishment.
Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management Chair, Cathy Whelan
said this local sand will be supplemented by beach sand sourced through a DSE tendering process which will ensure specified high-grade quality sand that complies with EPA standards."There will be times during the beach renourishment process when access to the beach is restricted. Access to the Coastal Trail and Foreshore Road east of the Portarlington Pier will also be impacted at times. We thank beach and Coastal Trail users for their patience while these important beach protection works are carried out," Ms Whelan said.
The Portarlington beach renourishment is one of a number of projects that will be announced in coming weeks which are being undertaken in partnership between Bellarine Bayside and DSE.
The State Government has been renourishing beaches around Port Phillip Bay to maintain their condition and recreation value since the 1970s.
Ms Whelan thanked the Minister as well as DSE officers for their ongoing commitment to tackling coastal management issues on the northern Bellarine Foreshore.
For further information on the Portarlington Beach Renourishment please contact Bellarine Bayside on 5259 3311 or visit www.bbfcom.com.au
