Beach Nourishment Works Underway at Mounts Bay

Mounts Bay, situated on Eastern Maar Country, has experienced documented erosion over the last 50 years. Urgent sand renourishment works were previously conducted in December to protect the dunes from storm surges and high tides. 

In response to the escalating impacts of coastal erosion at Mounts Bay, a significant beach nourishment project is set to begin, aiming to bolster the resilience of the dunes in the area. 

After a thorough analysis of drone imagery gathered through the Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program, it has been revealed that approximately 40,000 cubic metres of sand has been lost from the beach. This loss poses a significant threat to ecological, social, amenity values, and critical infrastructure. 

Following an evidence-based approach, the plan involves extracting sand from the vegetated area south of Point Bunbury. Beach nourishment, proven to be a reliable and effective defence against storm surges, will kick off on Tuesday, January 30, and is expected to take several weeks, contingent on tides. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period. 

For the safety of the community, parts of the Apollo Bay Harbour and Mounts Bay foreshore will be temporarily closed during the project. Residents and visitors are urged to take care around the large trucks and equipment, adhere to onsite signage, and steer clear of the areas undergoing nourishment. 

To ensure environmental compliance, a Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG) permit and Marine and Coastal Act 2018 consent have been obtained. Sand harvesting from the Pt Bunbury groyne area, historically designed to trap sand and prevent entry into Apollo Bay harbor, is vital for the success of the ongoing beach nourishment project. 

Regular monitoring, including a recent vegetation assessment by Beacon Ecological, is in place to safeguard the area's ecological values. Spotters will check for Hooded Plovers before commencing daily truck movements and will modify plans accordingly. 

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is working alongside the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Department of Transport and Planning, Barwon Water and NBN providers to develop a Coastal Adaptation Plan (CAP). 

The plan, aligned with the State Government’s Victorian Resilient Coast framework, is expected to be finalised in the coming months following recent community engagement. A What We Heard report is being prepared by DEECA and will be published on https://engage.vic.gov.au/mountsbayadaptationplan 

Quotes Attributable to Climate Action and Resilience Manager, Leia Howes  

“Mounts Bay continues to experience significant coastal erosion, requiring immediate beach nourishment works to stabilise the dune system.”  

"Informed by an evidence-based approach, our plan involves harvesting sand from the vegetated area south of Point Bunbury.” 

“Beach nourishment is proven to be a consistent and effective approach, acting as the first line of defence to shield the area from storm surges."  

“We’re asking all locals and visitors to be mindful of the large trucks and equipment, follow onsite signage, and to avoid the areas where the nourishment is being undertaken.”