Plans to upgrade Warrnambool harbour have moved a step closer with the state government allocating $330,000 for a study on how coastal erosion could be managed in the area.
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The money will also be used for the development of a preliminary business case and economic study framework for any future investment in the Warrnambool harbour.
The grant follows lobbying by Warrnambool City Council for more state funding to investigate ways to repair and upgrade the harbour.
The council earlier this year adopted in principle a master plan for the harbour that includes a proposal to enclose the boat harbour.
The $330,000 will come from the ports division of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources but the money was first announced by Upper House Member for Western Victoria James Purcell.
The study is one of numerous investigations in past years into proposals to upgrade the harbour and their environmental impacts.
Mr Purcell said the new study would be “significant” and support the proposed future development of the harbour.
It would “also benefit the whole coastal area as it will create a strong understanding of the effects of erosion and ways to manage this issue," Mr Purcell said.
“I am usually hesitant to fund extensive studies, but I think this project is a perfect example of the necessity of further research.
“Mother Nature can be a fickle beast and it is vital we understand the implications of any alterations to the foreshore area before decisions are made,” Mr Purcell said.
He said the last sand study on the harbour was completed in 2008 and is now out of date.
“This funding will allow for a significant new study that will help progress the planning for enclosing the harbour.
"Once the study is complete we can make an educated decision on the best option for the Warrnambool harbour moving forward."
Warrnambool council has faced frequent calls to enclose Warrnambool harbour to improve safety but there have also been concerns about the environmental impact of such a move.
Of the nearly 600 public submissions to the council’s draft master plan, more than 500 supported an enclosed harbour.
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