Portsea beach erosion, failed shorline armoring, Australia
By ABC Australia
Works to stop the erosion of Portsea beach have been completed in time for the southern hemisphere summer holidays. But some residents are still unhappy and claim the dredging of Port Phillip Bay has caused irreversible damage.
The strong currents have already damaged the beach, forcing the annual Portsea swim classic to move its course.
Portsea Australia.Calm day, big swell, no beach, Portsea April 2010. Photo Source: Blue Wedges
The beach is the heart and soul of the town and the lifeblood of Gary Grant’s marine tourism and education company. But over the past year, as the sand has been washed away, he has found it increasingly difficult to do business.
“They have turned a beautiful beach into an ugly beach,” he said.
Portsea Australia. Huge sandbag wall behind is there to stay according to DSE. Photo Source: Blue Wedges
Mr Grant says it is now too dangerous to take diving and snorkelling groups to the pier, on an incoming tide, because of the increasing swell.
Peter Watkinson of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) says the department has spent $2 million building a sea wall to try and stop beach erosion.
“We believed we have stabilised the foreshore we are now protecting the assets of Portsea beach and also the crown foreshore,” he said.
But residents are not satisfied and some are calling for a government investigation.
A spokeswoman for Environment Minister Ryan Smith, says he is waiting for more information before considering any calls for an investigation.
