The minister made good on her promise to visit the former tip site at East Beach, touring the area on Friday with representatives from the Moyne Shire Council.

The tip closed in 1994 and until 2006 there was minor erosion to the dunes.

Since then some significant erosion has led to some rubbish becoming exposed and slipping onto the beach for a short period of time.

“We looked at the issues around the South Beach and East Beach,” Ms Neville said.

“One of the relatively urgent issues is inundation.

“There is a need for beach re-nourishment and to build up and protect the sand dunes. We had a long conversation about the landfill site.”

She said a new rock wall system was working, and would provide a medium-term solution for the next 10-20 years.

“Sand is building up,” she said.

“There is also less erosion on the dunes. The council’s view is that this is now proving to be a medium-term solution.”

Ms Neville said more scientific information was required before the rubbish could be considered for removal.

“Moving the landfill could be worse,” she said.

“The dunes may be held together by the rubbish. We will get further advice.”

Ms Neville said removing the rubbish would fill up Port Fairy’s current landfill options.

“We have to plan ahead,” she said.

“We will set up a working group from my department with the council to work together to build a long-term solution to protect this great coastal area.” 

The Moyne Shire Council said it would continue to observe and manage the site by monitoring sand levels and the condition of the dune, weekly beach inspections and cleaning, and ground water monitoring.

A spokesman for Ms Neville said the site was the responsibility of the shire, as per the Environment Protection Authority site management plan requirements.

“Environment Protect Authority staff have inspected the landfill and met with council officers.

“They are satisfied the council is taking necessary steps to minimise environmental impacts.”