There is currently no coherent long-term plan or vision for the St Clair to St Kilda coast.
In the absence of a vision and plan, engineering solutions of the past have sought to fix an issue at one location along the coast rather than considering the impact on the coastal environment as a whole.
There are complex problems to solve, but we cannot delay or do nothing. Now is the time to establish a long-term vision and plan to guide us. Collaboration and bold commitments will be required, but there are excellent solutions available and opportunities for an exceptional outcome for our coast and community.
Rather than focussing only on single issues like dune erosion or sea wall repair, the DCC and the community need to work together to identify options that, over time, solve multiple issues, build resilience, and create new opportunities for recreation and environmental benefits along this coast. Of course, immediate issues must be addressed – but, the DCC and the community must move away from a case-by-case reactive management approach.
Since European settlement, people have reclaimed land and pushed the shoreline out into the sea - squeezing the sand dune and beach between development and the sea. John Wilson Ocean Drive and other green spaces along this coast restrict the dune system. With limited room to move, the dunes have steepened, have become more prone to erosion from storms, and more sand is being blown on to the amenities and recreational facilities behind. The natural character of the system has been reduced over time, and paths for access to Middle and St Kilda Beaches have become inadequate.
Whilst protecting assets, properties and the land, our existing coastal protection infrastructure in St Clair has increased beach erosion and is aging or has been damaged. Many surfers feel unsafe entering or exiting the water, and the sea wall can be damaged during storms. As is common with sea walls, it has also made erosion of the dunes worse where the seawall ends. “Geobags” placed beside the sea wall for protection are not a long-term solution – we must plan for what comes next.
Another problem we need to address is the historic landfill located under Kettle and Marlow parks. Unfortunately, this site is at risk of begin exposed due to erosion of the sand dunes. This risk is increased due to climate change. We will need to think carefully and consider the whole beach system, because developments elsewhere on the coast can impact what happens in front of the landfill.
Without a long-term vision and plan to guide our decisions, all of these immediate issues will get worse due to sea level rise and the increasing frequency of storms expected due to climate change. We must take sensible steps now to move towards a more sustainable and resilient coast without locking ourselves into coastal management practices that are inflexible in the future.