Council calls for cash now to fix crumbling breakwater

At the monthly council meeting the Port of Warrnambool asset management plan was tabled, with the document showing the ailing breakwater was in a sorry state.

Chief executive officer Bruce Anson said it was a “very concerning” report.

“The breakwater has serious defects,” he said.

“The money needs to be funded by the asset owner – the State Government.”

Cr Tony Herbert said the “pre-occupation with the harbour may have provided somewhat of a distraction with regard to the breakwater”.

“It is extremely concerning now we have a full understanding of this asset and the condition it is in,” he said.

“I immediately support the advocacy of the money required to repair it. 

“The report is quite damning of the condition of the breakwater and many of the other assets in the area.”

He said if there was irreparable damage from an unexpected major storm event it was unlikely the State Government would provide funds to rebuild it, if they wouldn’t provide funds to repair it. 

He said the positive news was that the report was now completed, so further action could be taken.

“Now it is up to us to get our skates on and get down to Melbourne and get the money,” he said.

Cr Peter Hulin said it was a detailed and alarming report.

“We have to get the attention of the State Government and get them to do something they should have done a long time ago, and that’s maintain their asset,” he said.

“The new CEO and mayor have to advocate and make them understand they need to fund their asset.” 

Cr David Owen said he had slowly watched the breakwater deteriorate over the years during his work with the surf life saving club.

“We have to advocate strongly to get it repaired,” he said.

“We are not responsible for its repair. We can’t expect ratepayers to pay for it.” 

Mayor Robert Anderson said he had met with the Victorian Government’s Ports Minister Luke Donnellan about the damage the breakwater had received.

“He knows about it,” he said.

“We spoke specifically about the breakwater.” 

The report will be forwarded to Mr Donellan and the State Government Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.

It will also be released for public comment for 28 days, and submissions on the document will be considered at an upcoming council meeting.