THE DEPARTMENT of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) has proposed four potential solutions for Portsea Front Beach and is seeking community feedback.
The options include three long-term solutions and a fourth like-for-like replacement of the current geotextile seawall.
The seawall was installed in 2010 and then upgraded in 2019 to help stabilise the shoreline after significant erosion over many years.
DEECA said it has “provided important protection” but is reaching the end of its 10-year design life.
The department commissioned an independent coastal engineering consultancy, who reviewed previous studies and undertook a comprehensive Coastal Processes Study.
Three potential erosion management options were subsequently developed.
Option 1 involves construction of a new, suspended boardwalk and a new rock revetment under the boardwalk to manage erosion.
This option will not provide a beach where it does not naturally exist and will not reduce wave energy.
Option 2 involves construction of a new wave screen and a 60m long rock groyne at Point Franklin.
This option includes nourishment of the beach to widen the shoreline, with the groyne set to help retain the nourished beach.
Option 3 is beach compartments, which involves replacing the existing seawall and rock sill with new rock revetment, nourishing and widening the beach, and constructing a 60m long rock groyne at Point Franklin.
This option also includes the construction of two 25m long timber groynes along the revetment to retain the nourished beach and a new walking trail atop the revetment.
All three options will provide universal beach access ramps, include revegetation of the upper dune, improve the rock interface with Portsea Pier, and include buried rock toe cliff protection.
Colin Watson, president of the Nepean Ratepayers Association, said hopefully this means the beach can be restored to what it once was.
“Finally, it looks as though [the government] want to do something,” said Watson.
He said he is in support of Option 2, which includes the wave screen and groyne.
“Of the options, that’s the one that stands out because firstly, if they erect that wave screen, that will go a long, long way to minimize the swell,” said Watson.
“It won’t stop it, but it will minimize it.”
Watson said if they build the groyne, it provides an opportunity to pull out the sandbag wall and re-nourish the coastal dune.
“If they replenish the beach with sand, the groyne theoretically will hold the sand, where previously it’s been migrating to Sorrento for seventeen years,” said Watson.
“It’ll be a win-win.”
The only criteria Option 2 does not tick is the potential impact on vessel moorings.
“There’s only a few moorings there, so not so much a concern,” said Watson.
“The main thing is we want to alert the community on the peninsula that this public consultation is taking place, and we want them to get involved, get on the website, complete the survey, and nominate Option 2 as the preferred option.”
In September, Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Stephen Batty attended a community gathering to hear about locals’ concerns regarding the future of the beach.
The beach has been included in the shire’s “Shout Out” advocacy campaign ahead of the upcoming state election (“Shire ‘shouts out’ for front beach solution, The News, 30/09/26).
At the time, Batty said “Portsea Front Beach is an important community asset and there is understandable concern about its future”.
“We want the beach back,” said Batty.
“Restoring access, improving safety and securing a long-term future for this iconic location is important for residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”
Community consultation is open from 2 October to 31 October.
You can find out more information about the proposed options and complete the survey at: engage.vic.gov.au/portsea-coastal-erosion-management.
First published in the Mornington News – 13 October 2026
