A PRIORITY investigation has been ordered by the state government into erosion of Port Fairy’s East Beach which has exposed hazards from an old rubbish dump.
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Environment Minister Ryan Smith told The Standard he regarded Port Fairy as one of the state’s great natural assets.
“I have tasked the Environment Protection Authority to urgently investigate options for clean-up and future management of the site,” he said.
“I expect the EPA to continue to work with Moyne Shire Council and the Department of Sustainability and Environment to resolve the matter.”
Mr Smith inspected the eroded shoreline last month during a community cabinet visit and announced $146,500 for the council to undertake emergency repair to a sea wall further west.
However, since his visit waves have gouged out more of the fragile dunes covering a night soil dump and rubbish tip from the town’s early days.
The Standard this week published a photograph showing exposed rusted metal, broken bottles and other debris.
There are fears more rubbish and pollutants will be exposed if the erosion is left unchecked.
Locals have suggested either another rock wall be built or the rubbish be excavated and carted away.
Local South West Coast MP and Ports Minister Denis Napthine reinforced Mr Smith’s priority call.
“This will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Dr Napthine said.
“There’s been an escalation of the problem and the minister has responded by asking the EPA to investigate and report back on risks and the options for dealing with that.
“No doubt the government will listen to advice of the EPA.
“If the advice is that more needs to be spent on dealing with the problem the government will do that.
“This erosion is right on the beachfront, next to a popular tourist spot and where people live.”
Dr Napthine, who lives at Port Fairy, said he walked on the beach last weekend and would be back there later this week.
“I’m well aware of the issue,” he said.
“The EPA will work closely with the local council and community to make sure it finds a suitable solution.”
Dr Napthine cautioned that a long-term answer to East Beach erosion would be more difficult.
“There are lots of differing views on how to fix it,” he said.
“Clearly there’s a need to address the sand drift issue which involves human intervention in the river, Griffith Island and the western arm over decades.”
