East Gippsland Shire Council will undertake major maintenance works on the groyne at the Bastion Point boat ramp, Mallacoota.

The work will ensure the critical infrastructure continues to meet community needs. 

A contract for the remediation works was awarded to Paul Volk Contracting Pty Ltd, a local company with experience in marine construction projects, at Tuesday night’s Council meeting. The decision followed the completion of a site inspection and surveying in February 2023 by a coastal marine engineering consulting firm, a design phase and tender process, as outlined to the community in April.

Since construction in2015, the boat ramp and groyne has served the needs of the community, visitors, the abalone industry and is a crucial emergency evacuation point, as demonstrated during the 2019/20 fires. The breakwater has suffered damage overtime from wave action.  

The remediation works:

• Will include a new layer of larger rock armour to the wall to improve its stability and better resist wave impact.
• Will be inspected by the designer at certain stages of implementation.
• Will not change the existing shape or design. 

Mayor Cr Tom Crook said by addressing issues affecting the breakwater, Council is committed to extending its lifespan and maintaining it as a crucial piece of infrastructure for Mallacoota.

“One of our responsibilities is to manage and maintain assets, ensuring they remain in good condition and meet community needs,” he said.

“By improving the structural integrity of the groyne, we aim to enhance fishing activities, and rescue and relief capacity for future emergencies. The proactive maintenance also aligns with our commitment to preserving community assets and ensuring their effectiveness. 

“Investing in this asset is not only essential for safeguarding the surrounding area and boat ramp users, but also supports local tourism, recreational and social activities, and the economy.” 

The proposed timeline for works will be advised prior to construction and will avoid the high tourism season and the main abalone season where possible. 

The groyne remediation works will cost $1,012,175. Better Boating Victoria’s 2022-23 Recreational Boating Structural Maintenance Program has supported this project with a grant of $167,000. The remainder is from Council's own budget. 

In addition, Council has been awarded a Better Boating Victoria $150,000 grant to assist with dredging the boat ramp. The removal of sand has been quite challenging in past 6-12 months and this funding will support the use of more specialised machinery to assist in removing sand from ramp. 

Stay informed and engaged with this project though our website and YourSay engagement portal.