Mangroves, groynes, coir logs and native oysters are all being considered in an action plan to slow foreshore erosion around Western Port, writes Helen Zervopoulos.
THE Bass Coast Coastal Erosion Group continues to work with the Grantville Foreshore Committee, local councillor Clare Le Serve, Bass MP Brian Paynter and DELWAP representative Mick Dortmans on a plan to mitigate the devastating effect of tidal activity on foreshore erosion.
The group of concerned citizens, who got together in Grantville a few months ago, is forming partnerships with residents from Corinella, Tenby Point, Coronet Bay, the Seagrass Partnership, Landcare and foreshore groups to tackle the erosion issue on a united front.
Mangroves, which build sand over time and dramatically decrease erosion, as can be seen in Pioneer Bay, are only part of the solution. They take a long time to establish and they take even longer to actually build sand.
We need a long-term solution that will involve a considered and integrated plan of action and a combination of options.
The use of coir logs back-planted with native vegetation has been successfully trialed at Rhyll although they have not as yet been tested by the full brunt of a high tidal surge. Coir logs are an affordable solution and an effective means of stemming erosion.
Muddy foreshore taken 200 metres south of Grantville pier
Sandy build-up taken 600 metres further south of the muddy patch.
Groynes, which are long sausage bags made of geotechnic textile filled with sand, have also been trialled at both the Jam Jerrup foreshore and the Grantville foreshore south of the pier. The groynes modify wave activity, providing a less turbulent environment for mangroves and sea grass to establish.
Mangroves planted by Tim Ealey and the Seagrass Partnership five years ago in Grantville which are protected by the groyne are still growing. After five years of growth, they are no more than 40cm in height but those planted at the same time further south of the pier, which haven't had the protection of the groynes, have had a very high mortality rate.
A representative from a global not-for-profit organisation, The Nature Conservancy, recently contacted Kat Cox, founder of the Bass Coast Coastal Erosion Group, with a proposal to re-introduce oyster beds in Westernport.
Simon Branigan said the research shows there used to be a large number of native oysters thriving in the bay.
Mollusc beds not only slow erosion but also filter pollutants out of the water, creating a cleaner ocean environment which in turn promotes healthy and diverse marine life.
Simon recently presented the concept to Bass Coast Council, Councillors reacted positively to the idea of establishing oyster beds in Westernport although they made the point that the council does not have jurisdiction over the water.
“The community would certainly get behind the idea of re-introducing native oyster beds along Westernport,” Kat Cox said.
“We are prepared to look at all the options at this stage. I want to live here for a long time and I don't want to lose my house to erosion.”
Simon Branigan is keen to meet with community members to elaborate on the proposal of oyster beds for Westernport. He is meeting with RAMSAR representatives next week but community support will be vital for a project such as this to go ahead.
Once the initial community contact is made in Grantville on October 20, a community forum will be organised.
For updates, visit Bass Coast Coastline Erosion Group’s Facebook page.
Helen Zervopoulos lives on the Grantville foreshore and is a member of the Bass Coast Coastal Erosion Group.
The group of concerned citizens, who got together in Grantville a few months ago, is forming partnerships with residents from Corinella, Tenby Point, Coronet Bay, the Seagrass Partnership, Landcare and foreshore groups to tackle the erosion issue on a united front.
Mangroves, which build sand over time and dramatically decrease erosion, as can be seen in Pioneer Bay, are only part of the solution. They take a long time to establish and they take even longer to actually build sand.
We need a long-term solution that will involve a considered and integrated plan of action and a combination of options.
The use of coir logs back-planted with native vegetation has been successfully trialed at Rhyll although they have not as yet been tested by the full brunt of a high tidal surge. Coir logs are an affordable solution and an effective means of stemming erosion.
Muddy foreshore taken 200 metres south of Grantville pier
Sandy build-up taken 600 metres further south of the muddy patch.
Groynes, which are long sausage bags made of geotechnic textile filled with sand, have also been trialled at both the Jam Jerrup foreshore and the Grantville foreshore south of the pier. The groynes modify wave activity, providing a less turbulent environment for mangroves and sea grass to establish.
Mangroves planted by Tim Ealey and the Seagrass Partnership five years ago in Grantville which are protected by the groyne are still growing. After five years of growth, they are no more than 40cm in height but those planted at the same time further south of the pier, which haven't had the protection of the groynes, have had a very high mortality rate.
A representative from a global not-for-profit organisation, The Nature Conservancy, recently contacted Kat Cox, founder of the Bass Coast Coastal Erosion Group, with a proposal to re-introduce oyster beds in Westernport.
Simon Branigan said the research shows there used to be a large number of native oysters thriving in the bay.
Mollusc beds not only slow erosion but also filter pollutants out of the water, creating a cleaner ocean environment which in turn promotes healthy and diverse marine life.
Simon recently presented the concept to Bass Coast Council, Councillors reacted positively to the idea of establishing oyster beds in Westernport although they made the point that the council does not have jurisdiction over the water.
“The community would certainly get behind the idea of re-introducing native oyster beds along Westernport,” Kat Cox said.
“We are prepared to look at all the options at this stage. I want to live here for a long time and I don't want to lose my house to erosion.”
Simon Branigan is keen to meet with community members to elaborate on the proposal of oyster beds for Westernport. He is meeting with RAMSAR representatives next week but community support will be vital for a project such as this to go ahead.
Once the initial community contact is made in Grantville on October 20, a community forum will be organised.
For updates, visit Bass Coast Coastline Erosion Group’s Facebook page.
Helen Zervopoulos lives on the Grantville foreshore and is a member of the Bass Coast Coastal Erosion Group.