In what appears to be a possible electioneering photo-op stunt the Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, will be in Batemans Bay outside the Innes Boatshed at 10am to announce funding for Coastal and Estuarine resilience.
The details of the funding are unknown however the Minister will have with her the pre-selected Liberal candidate contesting the seat of Gilmore who, as a past local member, had advised the community in Surfside, directly opposite the Innes Boatshed, in February 25th, 2019 that, if returned to Government in the March 2019 elections the NSW Coalition would commit $250,000 to find out how to protect Surfside from inundation with a further and $5 million to build the best option.
The Bay Post reported at the time that the then Federal Environment Minister, and the then Infrastructure Minister and Bega MP, Andrew Constance, pledged funding for an "infrastructure solution" at a public gathering in Surfside.
Low-lying parts of Surfside are at risk of rising seas and insurance premiums are increasing exponentially forcing residents to campaign for government recognition of the situation and assistance. It is hoped by the many Surfside residents who plan to attend the Sunday morning announcement that funding for Coastal and Estuarine resilience will finally be committed to their promised rock wall project by the Federal Government, given that the State Government has not been forthcoming. The NSW Government announced in June 2021 that geotechnical work at Surfside in Batemans Bay was commencing.
The Minister for Local Government said at the time "this work forms part of an important part of updating and further refining coastal hazard lines at Surfside."
“This will provide the community with next steps towards a coastal management solution for the area which is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to the residents of the northern shore of Batemans Bay including Wharf Road and Surfside.”
“I understand the scope of geotechnical work is likely to include seismic refraction and ground penetrating radar testing, hand-augered boreholes and lab testing to inform a review of coastal hazard information.
“This is a positive step towards understanding the extent of bedrock and any other erosion resistant subsurface material at Surfside and will provide consultants with the technical insight needed to better tailor management solutions for the coastline in this vulnerable area.”
The community wait with interest to hear what the Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience has in mind to fund.
Above: Surfside erosion could definitely benefit from some Coastal and Estuarine resilience funding.
