Sand ‘to be outsourced’

KIM WATERS
FORESHORE managers have vowed to use “outsourced” sand in a controversial project to renourish an eroded strip of Portarlington beach.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee chairperson Cathy Whelan said consultants had recommended spreading sand along 800 metres of beach near Portarlington Pier.
Ms Whelan said Department of Sustainability and Environment had ranked the stretch of beach fourth in a survey of 30 Port Phillip and Corio bays beaches needing renourishment.
“It was also chosen because of the amount of sand lost from the main swimming area during recent storm events.”
Ms Whelan said Bellarine Bayside would use “locally sourced sand”.
“This design option best meets the range of objectives for the renourishment and was supported by the majority of participants in the community information and feedback sessions.”
The Independent revealed in March that residents feared the $300,000 renourishment proposal was a waste of taxpayer’s money because the new sand would wash away again.
Geelong Environment Council’s Joan Lindros labelled the solution a “temporary fix”.
“We don’t need the Government slapping a quick solution over a serious problem because in the long run it will fail.”