a bastion of bad decisions

The recent turn of events in the chamber of the East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) in relation to Bastion Point is yet another slap in the face to locals opposed to the construction of a large breakwater and boat ramp in Mallacoota.

In June, Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, approved a plan to construct the facility, ignoring out of hand the recommendations in the Environmental Effects Statement commissioned by the government’s own Independent Panel Inquiry.

The EES found significant issues with all of the proposed options to build the breakwater and boat ramp in that “there is no overall societal benefit in progressing these options further and they should be discarded”.

As to upgrading the existing ramp the EES panel recommends “The Panel does not consider that breakwaters should be considered in the minor upgrading of the existing ramp. The present ramp is generally considered to be too narrow. Any contemplated upgrade should review its width and consider options to widen it”.

There were also some other recommendations for further studies in relation to parking to ensure there’s not an oversupply, road layout to minimise visual intrusion, whether the road sloping to the beach requires sealing and whether beach parking should be restricted or prohibited, or more effectively and actively managed to improve circulation, safety and amenity.

The panel also recommended that the local council (EGSC) establish a broadly based community advisory committee and appoint an independent facilitator to assist in developing the detailed design of the minor upgrade of the existing ramp, consistent with the general scope some of which is above.

In the face of all of these recommendations the Minister turned a blind eye and recommended the option known as 3b (the panel said of this option “meets none of the evaluation objectives well and three highly significant objectives poorly. Overall it is unacceptable; having no demonstrated overall societal benefit, and should not be considered further.”)

The minister has given approval to the EGSC to proceed with this construction in the face of overwhelming community objection and EES advice.

Mallacoota is a pristine wild coast region of Victoria and should be maintained as that. The strength of Mallacoota as an eco-tourism destination should be encouraged, the development of a 130mt long breakwater and ocean access boat ramp is an unnecessary and unwanted overdevelopment of the region.

The most recent decision of the EGSC is another nail in the coffin of community aspirations. The council has voted to move ahead with option 3b even though the EES found it has no demonstrated overall societal benefit. Part of the most recent motion included the establishment of an advisory committee, made up of community members as well as Marine Safety Victoria.

All is not lost for the people fighting to oppose this overdevelopment of the area. It still needs final sign off from the Minister for Environment, Gavin Jennings. Let us hope that our Environment Minister acts for the environment and recognises this region for its true value as a pristine and special wild coast area of Victoria.