The Save Silverleaves petition debate has occurred in state parliament led by The Nationals’ Melina Bath MP.
Ms Bath said it was time for a reset and called on the Allan Government to work collaboratively with the Silverleaves community and local government to plan and implement long term adaptations.
“To date the Allan Government’s response to the seriousness of the coastal erosion crisis has been piecemeal and residents felt abandoned.
“Labor’s hand was forced by a combination of community activism and political pressure – the loss of 16 metres of foreshore in two years is unsustainable.
“The January beachside rally, the tabling of a petition containing 4,440 signatures and the threat of more bad publicity, was clearly a catalyst for action.
“The government’s own report from 2024 called for two stages – installation of emergency geotextile revetment by the end of the 2025 summer to buy time; and the development of a long-term plan.
“While the community is relieved to finally see graders and tip trucks, the geotextile sandbags will not be in place until the end of winter, six months late.”
Ms Bath said her objective is to work with the community to hold the government to account.
“Clearly coastal erosion is a widespread issue impacting other locations such as Inverloch, Loch Sport, and Tooradin in my electorate, however, Labor must reset the agenda and engage with communities for a planned acceptable long term strategy.
“The Silverleaves community deserve certainty for their homes, and this can only be achieved with funding for long-term solutions to manage and mitigate coastal erosion.
“Labor can’t manage coastal erosion and Bass Coast residents are paying the price.”
Caption – The Save Silverleaves petition debate has occurred in state parliament led by The Nationals’ Melina Bath MP.
Media contact – Jenni Rohde 0437 750 806
