Breakwater/boat ramp & access road

EGSC is again proposing an ocean access development at Bastion Point. All options considered by the EGSC are large scale and involve big breakwaters: we believe all options are inappropriate and unacceptable.

The initial study commissioned by the EGSC which led to the design of three options for breakwalls is called the Coastal Processes Study. The EGSC’s preferred option is No. 3 and this features as their proposed development in the EES. The Council has made available some 3D modeling of the ramp, breakwater and road.

This option requires a new road approximately 300 metres long, across the headland and down onto the beach. This road will require significant earthworks exposing highly erodable soils, removal of important coastal vegetation and damage to Aboriginal cultural sites. A concrete hardstand/turning circle will be constructed on the beach leading to the dual lane boat ramp. The boat ramp will be sheltered by a breakwater constructed of 8,000 tonnes of imported rock approximately 130 metres long and 2.8 metres high. An estimated 3,250 cu. m. of rock will need to be removed to create a boating channel and a dredge will be required to remove the expected ongoing accumulation of sand at the entry to the facility. The proposed boat ramp facility will require ongoing dredging; other infrastructure includes a 30 bay car and boat trailer park, lighting, fish cleaning facilities and toilets.

Details of ancillary facilities were not included in the EES, but following Directions issued from the Inquiry Panel in May 2008 an Ancillary Structure Report has since been exhibited. A further report by Coastal Engineering Solutions (commissioned by DSE) has also been completed & exhibited. It includes an alternative access road on the beach.

The obtain a copy of the Environment Effects Statement for the proposed breakwater/ boat ramp development go to the East Gippsland Shire Council website.

At the Inquiry hearing in July the East Gippsland Shire Council presented new plans for an alternative access road along the beach.  It includes a pedestrian boardwalk, and a different carpark design that extends further along Bastion Point Road, and removes the vegetation screening.