SOME of the Mornington Peninsula’s most sand-degraded beaches are being replenished after being degraded by erosion.
Dredging has begun at Mothers Beach in Mornington under the state-government mandate for councils to provide safe access for recreational and commercial water users in the bay, and will also be carried out shortly at Shire Hall Beach.
Part of this includes sand movement or dredging to ensure boating and watercraft areas are safe and accessible.
The works have begun and will continue until early April 2023.
Dredging is starting after consultation with the Mornington Yacht Club and aims to reduce impacts on beach and water users while considering weather and environmental considerations.
A detailed environmental management plan has been developed to ensure the shire minimises any impacts to the environment, while continuing to provide safe access for boating and watercraft.
The state government has approved the works under the Marine and Coastal Act, with Parks Victoria to approve the environmental management plan prior to works commencing.
As dredging begins, the shire will continue to monitor the environmental impacts and work closely with community groups, Parks Victoria and Better Boating Victoria.
Mayor and Briars Ward Cr Steve Holland said dredging would ensure boats and other watercraft could safely access the boat ramp at Mothers Beach.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the least impact to the environment and users during this time – thank you for your cooperation,” he said.
First published in the Mornington News – 21 March 2023
