Letters to the editor - November 10

November 10 2017 - 5:30pm
Letters to the Editor – November 10
Letters to the Editor – November 10

No to enclosed harbour

We are surprised to see reports in The Standard calling for a scientific investigation into constructing a fully enclosed harbour. A thorough technical investigation was conducted by experts in 2016 and is available from Warrnambool City Council. Last year's comprehensive technical studies and community consultation led council to decide that the harbour should be developed in a staged way, with safer boat launching facilities being the priority. Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network supports this option.  A proposed second stage, if required, was to construct a relatively small spur off the breakwater to create conditions for safer moorings. This option was computer-modelled and showed the relatively low impacts it would have. A proposed third option for a fully enclosed harbour was explored that showed there was no business case for it and that its impact on wave patterns could cause dramatic changes to the Worm and Lady Bay beach areas, including beach erosion to the swimming beaches east of the harbour. Furthermore, this option would highly likely lead to the introduction of marine pest species into the harbour where they would then threaten the Merri Marine Sanctuary. Marine pests in Portland and Apollo Bay harbours indicate this outcome is highly likely. Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare is opposed to this third option due to these likely environmental impacts.

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