Concern is mounting among Loch Sport locals and visitors as erosion along the Lake Victoria foreshore continues and worsens.
Speaking in Parliament this week, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien called on the new Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt, to give a definitive answer to when action will be taken to prevent further erosion.
Mr O’Brien reminded the Minister that he had first raised this matter with her predecessor more than five years ago.
“When will the Minister act on the erosion that is continuing to wash away the Lake Victoria foreshore in Loch Sport?
“We have had nothing from the government but reports, consultants and inquiries – no actual action.”
Mr O’Brien said he was relieved to see what seemed like progress in August of 2021 when BMT Commercial Australia produced a report but is concerned that almost 18 months on we are still waiting for solutions to be implemented.
“This report was finally released to the community last year and highlighted a number of options to address the erosion.
“The installation of groynes in the water to reduce the erosion was overwhelmingly backed by the community and has clearly worked in other parts of the foreshore where they have been installed for many years.
“We have got tracks being washed away, public land being washed away and private land, ultimately would be under threat. We need action.
“We made little progress under the former Minister for Environment, let’s hope the new one will deliver some actual results.”
In line with parliamentary rules, the Minister now has 30 days to respond to Mr O’Brien’s question.