Tom Parry
DOUBTS are being raised about the viability of planned upgrades to boat ramps in Loch Sport, with one of the ramps having become landlocked.
Ongoing issues of sand migration and erosion are currently impacting the ramps, leaving their long-term future in question.
In April, Wellington Shire Council was awarded two grants worth $17,800 to undertake upgrades to boat ramps at The Boulevard and Seagull Drive.
The grants were awarded as part of a Recreational Boating Grant from Better Boating Victoria, which itself is funded by the state government’s Better Boating Fund.
As part of the upgrades, a combination of large rocks and rock bags – weighing in at one tonne each – will be placed near the boat ramps to provide stability and protection.
Loch Sport Business and Tourism Association (LSBTA) treasurer Craig Holland said the upgrades were “irrelevant” until the greater issues had been dealt with.
“I think until the issue of the erosion is fixed, any money you spend on (boat) ramps is a complete waste of time – that’s my personal view,” Mr Holland said.
“Anything’s helpful, but given the greater issue of erosion, wind, waves and hydrography down there, this will be a little stop-gap.
“It’s almost wasted money.”
His concerns come as sand migration along the Lake Victoria foreshore has seen the Boulevard boat ramp become inaccessible.
Photo: Tom Parry
The ramp is presently 10 metres from the water, surrounded by a bank of sand 50 centimetres deep and extending approximately 100 metres westward.
Mr Holland noted that the build-up of sand had only occurred within the past fortnight; the ramp has been closed since April due to accessibility and safety concerns.
Meanwhile, land surrounding the Seagull Dr ramp continues to wear away, with less than a metre of sand separating the embankment from the water’s edge.
“The predominant westerly breeze, whenever it blows, it’s just going to continue to erode the bank,” Mr Holland said.
In a statement to the Gippsland Times, a Wellington Shire spokesperson confirmed that council had experienced issues with sand migration and undermining at the two boat ramps.
But, works are expected to be finished before the peak summer boating season.
“Subject to consent from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Council will engage suitable contractors to perform this maintenance work with anticipated completion by the end of this year,” the spokesperson said.
“Council thanks Better Boating Victoria for contributing to these works.”
Photo: Tom Parry
Though sceptical as to whether they will be effectual, Mr Holland is broadly supportive of the planned upgrades.
In March, Mr Holland wrote a letter on behalf of the Loch Sport Fishing Association – of which he is secretary – indicating support for council’s grant application.
“This (proposal) will hopefully counteract some of the damage caused by erosion as well as lessen the sand inundation that occurs on these ramps,” Mr Holland wrote.
“This proposal is welcomed by our 165 members who have been advocating for investment into improved and expanded boating infrastructure in the Gippsland Lakes and for stewardship works that will improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes, thus assisting in the recovery of this once nationally-renowned recreational fishery.”
Erosion of the Lake Victoria foreshore has been an ongoing concern for residents of Loch Sport, with the state government having made efforts to address the issue.
In August last year, an online survey was commissioned asking respondents to select their favoured option to address the erosion issue.
An overwhelming majority of respondents selected groynes as their favoured option.
DEECA is presently in the process of planning medium- to long-term adaptation measures along the foreshore.
