Anglesea Coastal Adaptation Plan
STAGE TWO
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY REPORT
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and respect the separate and distinct Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners of the Great Ocean Road’s land, waters, seas and skies and acknowledge their cultural knowledge that has led to sustainable practices and has cared for Country over tens of thousands of years.
We honour Elders past and present and express gratitude for their sharing of wisdom that has ensured the continuation of Culture and Traditional practices.
We are committed to genuinely partner and meaningfully build relationships that reflect self-determination and enable us to work together with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to support the protection of Country, the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices, and together deliver on their broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond.
Wadawurrung Healthy Country Plan Caring for Country Summary
“We deeply respect our people of the past. Our Elders, children, men, women. We deeply respect their knowledge of Country, water, life, their care of the traditions and of each other, we stand with their spirit. Great spirit told us to take care of the great life within the land. To only take what you need without selfishness. Wadawurrung shared their knowledge of singing, dance, trade, camps, fishing, hunting, paintings, and homes to us to protect for our future generations.
We all need to help".
Stephanie Skinner Wadawurrung Traditional Owner 2019
OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITMENT
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) is in an incredibly privileged position to be tasked with protecting and enhancing the Great Ocean Road’s coast and parks on behalf of the community.
The Authority is committed to engaging, listening, respecting and reflecting community and stakeholder views in everything we do, as guided by our Community Engagement Strategy.
We’re committed to being transparent and open with our communities and building and deepening relationships grounded in reciprocity and trust. Through various channels, opportunities, and engagement spaces, we invite feedback, robust discussion, and reflection to strengthen our connections and common purpose.
We also value the longstanding dialogue with the Anglesea community in relation to Anglesea Futures, the Great Ocean Road Communities Network (GORCN) and the Anglesea Community Network.
We aim to build on these conversations to better understand what the Anglesea and visitor community value about the coast to ensure that our decisions best reflect community values and sentiment.
PROJECT OUTLINE INTRODUCTION
This report shares the high-level findings from stage two of our community engagement process that will support the development of a Coastal Adaptation Plan (CAP) for the Anglesea coast. Conducted by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority), the engagement ran across five weeks from 16 February to 22 March, 2024.
The purpose of this stage of engagement was to ensure coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning is underpinned by place-based values and a shared vision and objectives. This includes Traditional Owner assertions for Country, the Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 Vision, and stakeholder and community aspirations.
Section one of this report provides a high-level summary of the Anglesea Coastal Adaptation Planning project.
Section two of this report provides detail on how we engaged at Stage 2 of the project and who we heard from.
Section three of this report provides a summary of what we heard in relation to community values, coastal hazards awareness and the perceived need for coastal adaptation, as well as community aspirations for the Anglesea coast moving forward.
Section four of this report provides clear direction on next steps for the project and engagement.
Further information on the project, upcoming engagement opportunities and a range of other materials and resources can be found at our Love of the Anglesea Coast Have Your Say page.
DEVELOPING A COASTAL ADAPTATION PLAN FOR ANGLESEA
The Authority takes a partnership approach to plan for and manage coastal hazards along our beloved coastline, now and into the future. Our approach follows the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ framework and guidelines
Anglesea’s coast is diverse, dynamic and always changing. From Point Roadknight to Demons Bluff, we can see how waves, storms, and rising sea levels are shaping Anglesea’s coastline.
These natural forces also bring hazards like erosion, cliff failure, and flooding, which can impact on environmental, economic and cultural values, as well as the way we access and enjoy the coast.
Given the expected increase in the frequency and severity of these hazards due to climate change, it is imperative that we develop a plan that provides a strategic approach to coastal risk management and adaptation.
This is why we are developing an Anglesea CAP to enhance the resilience of the Anglesea coast, and both reduce and prevent the adverse impacts of coastal hazards in line with Victoria’s Resilient Coast Framework as per Figure 1.
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HOW WE ENGAGED
DEVELOPING A COASTAL ADAPTATION PLAN FOR ANGLESEA - CONTINUED
The aim at stage two of the framework is to ensure coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning is underpinned by place-based values and a shared vision and objectives.
While there are many steps involved in coastal hazard adaptation planning, understanding local knowledge and values of our coastline is at the heart of the process, as per Figure 2.
Our stage two engagement process Love of the Anglesea Coast, to support the development of the Anglesea CAP, was conducted from February to March to explore and further understand community knowledge and values of our coastline, which are at the heart of the coastal adaptation planning process.
The engagement started when the summer holidays were over in mid-February so we could engage more efficiently with the local community, stakeholders and schools, and concluded in late March to allow for engagement over the March long weekend.
Our engagement featured in-person activities, online components including a 28 question survey hosted on our Have Your Say page, and also a strong community focus in recognition of the wonderful community networks and groups that exist in Anglesea.
The design of our engagement focused on capturing community values and aspirations along this unique and highly valued section of coast, and hearing from community about their knowledge of coast hazards and willingness for adaptation on the Anglesea coast.
We did this because we understand that community values, knowledge and aspirations provide a strong foundation for strategic coastal hazard risk management and adaptation and directly inform the decision making, actions and priorities at future stages of this project and scope of future works.
We integrated community values into our engagement by asking:
• What do you love and value about the Anglesea coast?
• What activities do you enjoy doing on the Anglesea coast?
• What do you think attracts people to the Anglesea coast?
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section What We Heard – Site Use and Community Values section of this report.
We checked in on local knowledge of coastal hazards and the perceived need for coastal adaptation, by asking those we engaged with to:
• Rate their understanding of coastal hazards (i.e. erosion, inundation, cliff collapses).
Our work in confirming local aspirations and values provides us with a strong foundation for developing a strategic approach to coastal risk management and informs future stages of the coastal adaptation planning process.
Further information on our approach and links to relevant policies and frameworks including our Coastal Adaptation Explainer and Seven Stages of Coastal Adaptation Plans videos can be found at our Love of the Anglesea Coast Have Your Say page.
• Provide us with examples of how they have seen coastal hazards impact the Anglesea coast.
• Tell us if they agree work is required to prepare for and recover from future coastal hazards.
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section What We Heard - Coastal Hazard Awareness and Adaptation Appetite section of this report.
We sought to understand community aspirations and priorities for the future of the Anglesea coast by asking:
• In twenty years’ time what would you like the Anglesea coast to be?
• Are there any specific sites, assets or values you would like to see prioritised in the creation of the Anglesea CAP?
Responses to these questions are detailed in Section What We Heard - Community Priorities and Key Themes section of this report.
Figure 2. Desired engagement outcomes that support progress of adaptation.
HOW WE ENGAGED ONLINE
22,129 SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
VIEWS
PROJECT HAVE YOUR SAY PAGE VISITS
ONLINE SURVEYS COMPLETED
OUR ONLINE SURVEY RECEIVED AN AVERAGE USER RATING OF 4 OUT OF 5
Engagement from 16 February to 22 March was conducted online via our Love of the Anglesea Coast Have Your Say page. The page received 842 visits and featured an online survey, information about in-person activities, a kids colouring-in competition and the ‘Past-to-Present’ photo submission activity.
Twenty-six per cent of traffic to our Have Your Say webpage was from social media, with our social media feed gaining 22,129 impressions.
One of our first engagement activities we undertook involved filming locals at Anglesea Main Beach, where they shared why they love the Anglesea coast. What we captured during the filming reflects much of what we heard throughout the engagement period and attracted more than 1,300 views on Facebook and YouTube.
Figure 4. Webpage site traffic by source.
Figure 3. Cosy Up Have Your Say page
PAST TO PRESENT PHOTO SUBMISSIONS
HOW WE ENGAGED IN-PERSON
We received 25 photos of the Anglesea coast from 12 community members during the engagement period. This engagement activity will remain open throughout the lifespan of the project to continue to share the history and memories of the area.
Throughout the five week engagement our team were onsite and in the community to have great conversations, share stories and experiences and to hear first-hand from 621 people who also love the Anglesea coast, including being at:
• Three ‘walk and talk’ sessions at Point Roadknight
• Two community workshops, including:
• One evening workshop at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club
• One daytime workshop at the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club
• Five ‘listening post’ activities at community events, such as the Anglesea Twilight Market
• Three presentations, including presentations to children at Anglesea Kindergarten and the Anglesea Primary School assembly.
621
PEOPLE ENGAGED DIRECTLY OVER THREE WALK AND TALKS, TWO WORKSHOPS, THREE COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AND FIVE MARKET STALLS.
POSTCARD SUBMISSIONS
Love of the Anglesea Coast postcards were created as an engagement tool for our in-person engagement activities and engagement with our younger community members who were encouraged to write or draw what they loved about the Anglesea Coast.
Of our 171 postcards submissions, 136 were completed by Anglesea Primary School students during a whole school presentation during their end of week assembly.
KIDS COLOURING COMPETITON
To make our engagement activities more appealing to young people we designed a series of four coastal themed colouring-ins with space below for young people to tell us what they love about the Anglesea Coast.
We distributed 633 colouring in sheets to children and families across five market days and received more than 30 entries in our competition. All entries, including our winning entries can be viewed in the colouring-in gallery on our Have Your Say page.
WHO WE HEARD FROM
HOW WE ENGAGED WITH THE ANGELSEA COMMUNITY
Our engagement was supported by the Anglesea Community Network who helped shape our approach by providing feedback on our engagement plan and connecting us with the Anglesea community via their ACN News Flash in February. The network also included an item in their February and March bulletins.
Both the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club were fantastic in hosting our two community workshops at their venues and helping us have conversations with their members and volunteers.
We greatly appreciated the support of the Anglesea Community House, Anglesea Kindergarten, and Anglesea Primary School, which helped us reach a wider audience.
We thank and look forward to working with all the above listed groups, and many more throughout the Anglesea community, as this project progresses.
Anglesea’s community is a vibrant mix of local residents and long-term holiday homeowners, all who are very much connected to the Anglesea coast, very well informed and highly engaged in local issues.
At the time of the last Census (2021) the median age of Anglesea’s 3,208 residents was 54 years old, and 54.9% of Anglesea’s population were in the labour force. Among private dwellings, 44.4% were occupied and 55.5% were unoccupied.
In Figure 5 we can see the age profile of Anglesea at time of the last census as it compares to the whole of Victoria, showing clearly that Anglesea has few young people and a greater number of people over the age of 54 compared to the state average.
Our Survey Respondents:
72 online surveys were completed. The survey included 28 questions across three sections, which provided more than 2,000 responses to questions to analyse and interpret.
70% of all survey respondents had their primary residence on the Great Ocean Road with 53% of respondents living less than one kilometre from the coast.
Respondents on average were aged between 50 and 54 years and as shown in Figure 6 have been connected to the Anglesea coast between 21-30 years.
Almost two thirds of respondents (64%) had not previously been involved in a community engagement with the Authority.
Figure 5. Anglesea versus Victoria population by age comparison.
UNDER 1 YEAR
In-person engagements:
Of the 621 people we engaged in person:
• 36 attended one of three ‘walk and talks’ at Point Roadknight.
• 23 attended one of two workshops at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club or the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club.
• 369 spoke to us at one of the five markets/stalls we attended including the Anglesea Riverside Market, Anglesea Shopping Centre and Anglesea Twilight Market in both February and March.
• 193 received a presentation from Authority staff including Anglesea Kindergarten kids, students at Anglesea Primary School and committee members of the Anglesea Community Network.
Anglesea Motor Yacht Club
It is worth noting that our stage two community engagement had a very high rate of engagement from members of the AMYC as reflected throughout this report.
Although we are unable to quantify the number of AMYC members who completed the survey, we do know that AMYC members made up over 90% of attendees at our workshops and over 66% of attendees at our ‘walk and talks’ at Point Roadknight.
We directly engaged with almost twenty local community groups to promote engagement activities. We appreciate the involvement of AMYC members in widely sharing with their members to ensure their passion, knowledge and experience was heard.
We look forward to continuing to engage with them and other community groups including but not limited to Angair, Anglesea Community Network, Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, Anglesea Community House, as the project progresses.
WHAT WE HEARD
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES
This section will explore the site use and values of the Anglesea coast based on what we heard from the survey and at workshops and other in-person engagement activities.
We heard that the Anglesea coast is a highly valued section of the Surf Coast, which people are attracted to because of its recreational opportunities, unique landscape and natural beauty.
With more than half of survey respondents living within a kilometre of the coast, ease of access to the beach was also a big drawcard.
Community connection and environmental values were also mentioned frequently as the reasons people love visiting and living on the Anglesea coast.
Below we have listed what survey respondents said they valued about the Anglesea coast.
We have grouped values together with others of similar significance to survey respondents in to most valued, highly valued and valued categories, and have also listed individual values in the order which they were ranked.
Figure 6. Survey respondents’ connection to Anglesea coast by years.
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES - MOST VALUED
Most Valued
Natural landscape, healthy ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
Natural landscape - coastal views, sandy beaches, peaceful settings
Natural Landscape was the highest rated value, with 48% of respondents listing it either first or second and more than 90% of respondents ranking Natural landscape in their top five.
65% of survey respondents listed the natural landscape in their top three things that attract people to the Anglesea coast.
We heard a general appreciation for all that the Anglesea coast offers residents, holiday home owners and visitors in terms of the beach, the bush and a largely underdeveloped landscape.
“It is an environmental wonderland that retains its natural beauty.”
“It is a unique, beautiful, welcoming place and consider myself privileged to be able to raise my kids here in close connection with nature.”
“It is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Australia.”
“The natural beauty and quietness of the community outside of the major holidays.”
Healthy ecosystems including functioning coastal and marine ecosystems
Approximately one third (33%) of respondents ranked Healthy ecosystems either first or second, with more than 80% of respondents listed it within their top five.
31% of survey respondents listed the natural ecosystem and marine life in their top three things that attract people to the Anglesea coast.
We heard there is a high value placed upon the strong connection the Anglesea community has to the natural world.
“Anglesea wins because it is surrounded by nature; water, flora and fauna.”
“Connection to the natural environment that surrounds - the bush, the beach, the flora and fauna, and we can easily access this just by stepping outside.”
“I love and value Anglesea coast because of the abundance of national parks, native flora and wildlife.”
“It maintains biodiversity and is protected from development, leaving it untainted for people to enjoy the outdoors in a pristine natural environment.”
Recreation opportunities, such walking, cycling, surfing, boating, swimming.
More than half of all respondents ranked Recreation opportunities in their top three and more than 70% of respondents listing it within their top five.
82% of survey respondents listed recreational opportunities in their top three things that attract people to the Anglesea coast.
Figure 7 shows the diversity of activities survey respondents enjoy doing on the Anglesea coast now and the activities they want to be enjoying in 20 years’ time.
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES - MOST VALUED -
WALKING/ HIKING
SOCIALISING/FAMILY TIME
WALKING THE DOG
PLAYING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
LYING ON THE BEACH/ RELAXING
SURFING
We heard that the Anglesea coast has something for everyone in terms of recreational opportunities, and as shown in the graph below there are a wide range of recreational activities enjoyed by survey respondents, all within close proximity to the Anglesea coast.
There was also a great deal of appreciation for the infrastructure, facilities and networks that exist on the Anglesea coast to support people’s recreational pursuits, including but not limited to the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club and the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.
“The tennis club’s just there, the bowls club’s just there, the beach is just here, the golf course is just up the hill. Everything is in walking distance.”
“It is stunning and offers a vast array of experiences from bush trails to the ocean that have enormous health and wellbeing benefits for residents and visitors.”
“There is a team for everything like basketball, netball, football and tennis.”
“I love to surf and build sandcastles, I also love to play sport with my friends.”
“Love surfing, relaxing with friends and family on the beach and launching the boat to go fishing.”
(E.G. RUNNING, CYCLING)
SIGHTSEEING/ PHOTOGRAPHY
FISHING
CAMPING/ CARAVANNING OTHER SPORTS/ACTIVITIES
DRIVING
SHOPPING/ MARKETS
BOATING/ JET-SKIING
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES - HIGHLY VALUED
Highly Valued
Native flora and fauna, environmental values, community connection and safe access for all.
Native flora and fauna including preservation of habitat for key species and managing threats; and environmental values and sites of environmental significance.
We heard that the Anglesea community are passionate about native flora and fauna, with exactly two thirds (66.6%) of all respondents placing native flora and fauna within their top five.
During our engagement activities we had conversations with representatives from a range of highly regarded volunteer conversation groups who all spoke about the need to protect native flora and fauna on the Anglesea coast.
Environmental values and sites of environmental significance were highlighted often during our community engagement as something we must continue to protect.
Groups like Angair (Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna), Friends of the Anglesea River, Friends of the Eastern Otways, and Friends of the Hooded Plovers have an active presence on the Anglesea coast, demonstrating both the local community's appreciation for the natural environment and their strong sense of community connection.
We heard there is a high value placed upon the strong connection the Anglesea community has to the natural world.
“Love of the wildlife that inhabit the area. Birds are very important to me and at Anglesea we are lucky to have both marine and bush birds.”
“Point Roadknight is a very important breeding area for the Hooded Plovers and is also a place of refuge for many sea birds and mammals such a seals.”
“The priority should be protecting the natural environment - including flora and wildlife - not prioritising human- driven or commercial development.”
“I love the plants and nature and the water is always nice and that there's no pollution in the water and that the animals live in there.”
“The community cares about the natural environment - reflected in membership and support for local environmental groups.”
Community connection and small town vibes.
Community connections and small town vibes was ranked in the top five by more than half of all respondents, and almost one in five respondents gave these aspects their highest ranking, second only to ‘Natural Landscape’.
42% of survey respondents listed community connection in their top three things that attract people to the Anglesea coast.
We heard and felt the strong sense of community connection that is present on the Anglesea coast.
“I like how all the locals are always kind and helpful.”
“Anglesea is my 'second home' and I have a strong connection with the coast and the community.”
“I love the Anglesea Coast because it is generational - people keep coming back.”
“It epitomises the combination of extensive natural resources and beauty along with a small community which values those resources and enjoys using and promoting their future.”
“It's our piece of paradise which means so much to the locals.”
“I love the family vibe you can feel at the beaches.”
The power of community was tangible from our initial meeting with the Anglesea Community Network, to our presence at the two twilight markets, and interactions with the primary school, kindergarten, community house, Anglesea Motor Yacht Club and the Surf Life Saving Club.
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES - HIGHLY VALUED -
Safe access for everyone to enjoy the beaches and foreshore.
58% of survey respondents listed access to the beach in their top three things that attract people to the Anglesea coast.
We heard that the Anglesea coast is valued because of the safe and easy access it provides for a range of users and recreational activities, including easy access from Melbourne for the large portion of the community who visit on the weekends and during holiday periods.
Point Roadknight also featured heavily in relation to safety, as the point protects it from the south-westerly swell, making it a family beach and suitable for a range of uses.
“It's conveniently located from Melbourne. Easy drive and very family friendly.”
“Wonderful beach access and the Rusty Anchor club close to our house.”
“A safe natural place to live and enjoy.”
“Sheltered waters at Point Roadknight that allow safe swimming for kids and for all boating activities.”
“I want to maintain the beautiful, natural feel of this beach, and the wonderful easy access that we have to it, whilst also protecting it for the future.”
We also heard through our recent Improving Beach Accessibility in Anglesea community engagement that more can be done to improve accessibility on the Anglesea Coast.
“There needs to be an accessible change room at Point Roadknight and trial a beach wheelchair there in cooperation with the [Anglesea] Motor Yacht Club for storage.”
“The disability access at Point Roadknight leads people directly into the path of reversing cars with trailers on the boat ramp, surely a recipe for disaster.”
“There is no accessible beach without stairs that people can walk there dogs. I want a beach that I can walk onto without stairs and where I can take my dog for a walk.”
The engagement report and further information on our Accessible Beach program are accessible here.
SITE USE AND COMMUNITY VALUES - VALUED
Valued
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation values and other significant local heritage.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) values and Aboriginal cultural heritage
In survey responses, middens were mentioned more than 10 times, and Moonah trees were mentioned more than 25 times, both in regards to Point Roadknight and the broader need for greater recognition and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage along the Anglesea coast.
Aboriginal cultural heritage arose frequently during conversations with Anglesea Motor Yacht Club members regarding the erosion and cliff failure at Point Roadknight. There were calls to safeguard the middens and Moonah trees while also ensuring the protection of the carpark and boat ramp access.
“We have seen multiple cliff collapses including the destruction of protected Moonah trees. We have seen the coast highly impacted by storm surges causing the loss of Aboriginal middens.”
“We are only custodians. This was NOT terra nullius… We have gleefully exploited and degraded. Shame on us. Time to restore some indigenous place names … Time to identify and acknowledge the middens.”
Significant local heritage or historical sites
Significant Local Heritage and Historical Sites didn’t feature prominently during our conversations with the community, including our survey, however, our Past-to-Present photographic history activity captured the community's sentiment and connection to the Anglesea coast, with a special focus on Point Roadknight, Anglesea Main Beach, and the Anglesea River.
This project will be working with WTOAC to understand, acknowledge and act up their rights and assertions. Part of this commitment is engaging WTOAC to conduct a cultural heritage values assessment of the Anglesea coast to support the protection of Country, and the continuation of spiritual and cultural practices.
WHAT WE HEARD
COASTAL HAZARD AWARENESS & ADAPTATION APPETITE
This section of the report will explore responses relating to coastal hazard awareness and adaptation planning from those who we met with onsite as well as those who completed the online survey.
Coastal Hazard Awareness
As previously mentioned, the Anglesea community is a highly informed and engaged community and this was reflected in the in-person and online engagement in the level of understanding and awareness of coastal hazards.
Coastal Adaptation Appetite
A key question for coastal adaptation planning is to what degree is the community and physical environment prepared to adapt to future coastal hazards?
The Anglesea community has a healthy appetite for coastal adaptation, if done well, with 89% of survey respondents either stating ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that further work is needed to prepare for and recover from future coastal hazards impacting Anglesea’s coast as shown in Figure 9.
As shown in Figure 8 a massive 97% of all survey respondents said they had an okay (31%), good (30%) or very good (36%) understanding of coastal hazards, with only 3% of respondents classifying their understanding of coastal hazards as limited.
We heard the Anglesea coast has been shaped over the years by erosion at popular beaches such as Point Roadknight and the soft-rock cliffs at Demons Bluff.
We heard that coastal flooding and drainage issues, ageing coastal protection infrastructure and sensitive coastal ecosystems are all examples of existing safety and coastal management conflicts and challenges. Respondents were able to demonstrate their understanding of coastal hazards, with 87.5% of survey respondents being able and willing to tell us how they have witnessed Anglesea’s coast impacted by coastal hazards as reflected in the following section.
Generally speaking, there was broad acceptance from the Anglesea community that with rising sea levels and other impacts of climate change, coastal hazards will increase in magnitude and frequency, and that work will be needed to manage the impact of these hazards into the future along a naturally eroding coastline.
In regards to where work was required, there was strong sentiment relating to the impact of cliff failures and long term erosion, with over three quarters of respondents identifying these coastal hazards as having a significant impact on the Anglesea coast in the next 10 to 20 years, as shown in Figure 10 (on the next page).
There was also a high to moderate level of concern from respondents for other coastal hazards such as shortterm erosion, temporary and permanent inundation (flooding) and estuary changes.
Figure 8. Level of understanding of coastal hazards that impact Anglesea's coast (self-reported).
Figure 9. Perceived need for coastal risk management and adaptation planning.
COASTAL HAZARD AWARENESS & ADAPTATION APPETITE
Cliff Failures
Anglesea is known for its iconic cliffs, but cliff failure is a reality that locals know all too well and was identified by survey respondents as a coastal hazard that will have a big impact in the next 10 to 20 years.
We heard from the community that there is concern about ongoing cliff safety along the Anglesea coast and whilst locals understand the need to address the safety concerns, there is also a sadness in having the beach at Demons Bluff permanently closed.
The beach at Demons Bluff in Anglesea remains permanently closed due to cliff safety risks.
Cliff failures, also known as cliff collapses, occur when the internal strength of the cliff formation is reduced beyond a threshold and can no longer support its own weight. Cliff failures are unpredictable and can also occur without warning, posing a significant risk to clifftop and beach users. Collapses at Demons Bluff in Anglesea are regularly over 100 metres in length, extend over 40 metres out from the base of the cliff and weigh over 10,000 tonnes.
As previously mentioned, Point Roadknight was a prominent feature of our engagement, with a healthy level of engagement with members of the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club, many of whom spoke to us about their concern about the cliff failure on the Anglesea town-side of the boat ramp.
“My concern is with continuing cliff collapses and high tide beach loss in the study area.”
“I suspect cliff collapse will be an ongoing issue. I believe warning signage is appropriate as is realignment of the surf coast walk if deemed necessary by engineers. At least in the near future, I would not like to see closure of beaches near cliffs.”
Erosion
“Coastal cliff erosion, in particular north of the Point Roadknight boat ramp, and below the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club - this seems to continuously ongoing, with no attempts at remediation.”
“These are stunning areas and it's very easy to enjoy them with safety at low tides and staying clear of cliffs. Death or serious injury I believe is much higher risk by those swimming in the water than by those walking along the nearby beaches at low tide.”
We know that the Anglesea coast is a naturally eroding coastline that changes with every tide and storm event. The Anglesea community shared how they have personally witnessed these changes over time and across generations.
Anglesea locals told us of the impact they have seen from the high-energy waves of the Southern Ocean crashing into the rock and sand dune shorelines of the Anglesea coast, and we heard of the pressures of climate change, increased visitation, a perceived lack of appropriate land management and historic planning decisions/issues.
We heard calls for more dune protection, more to be done sooner to prevent dune recession and sand loss from our beaches, especially at Point Roadnight, Soapy Rocks and Anglesea Main Beach.
Figure 10. Anticipated impact of coastal hazards in the future.
COASTAL HAZARD AWARENESS & ADAPTATION APPETITE
Inundation/Flooding and Estuary Changes
We heard that the Anglesea River is highly valued by the local community who are keen to see it return to full health following lower than average summer water flows since 2015 and decades of declining health.
A history of acidity fluctuations that have led to poor river health, reduced recreational values and increased risk of coastal acid sulphate soil (CASS) activation in the estuary has raised a high level of community concern about the health of the river.
“Keen to understand what is really happening to the sand dunes and beach from tidal and storm impact. Erosion seems to have increased since 2020.”
“Protect the beach and dune system from erosion… recently this cyclical event has resulted in more permanent changes which have led to the retreating on the dune system.”
We heard that some of the issues listed above have been apparent for some time, and a sense that parts of the study area have been studied intensively but there has been little to no action from land managers to address these coastal hazards. This has led to a high level of frustration and lack of trust from some members of the community that the Anglesea CAP will deliver any tangible action.
The Anglesea CAP provides an opportunity to bring together the range of information relevant to coastal hazard resilience in Anglesea to support consistent and considered planning and decision making.
“The cliff failure/erosion to the north of the Point Roadknight boat ramp is an obvious priority… I believe if the ramp itself did not exist, this sand loss would have occurred along the entire length of the beach.”
“Despite dunes being fenced off in vulnerable areas members of the public take no notice of signs or requests to respect these areas… More signs are needed to alert people when areas are under stress.”
“I well remember there were two sand dune crests between the road and gently sloping surf main beach rather than the half dune now.”
“We have been watching and commenting on the erosion & deterioration of Point Roadnight, for the past 40 years … with the rock platform looking more like a reef year on year.”
“The beach area has changed so much over the years with the erosion, accessible areas are no longer accessible.”
The Anglesea River featured prominently in our online survey with respondents concerned about the river health and natural flow, but also the risk of inundation/flooding in the coming years as we experience sea level rise and other impacts of climate change.
“I imagine the river will, with ocean rises, gradually become more a flooded shallow estuary, the low lying area is already effected by water levels.”
“Decline in Anglesea River health. Filling with sand from high tides and no natural flow. Acid runoff from sulphur contaminated catchment.”
“Concerned about lack of community awareness of flooding risks over coming decades along the riverfront, Great Ocean Road, Diggers Pde.”
“Remediation of the Anglesea River, including a halt on pumping of groundwater is the most important and viable action that should be taken.”
“The silting up of the entrance to the Anglesea River has always concerned me, while I understand that sand movement is a natural occurrence the huge changes … are incredible.”
“The river has ceased to flow to the ocean and is greatly impacted by acid sulphate soils, loss of catchment and ground water disturbance.”
“I am concerned about the lack of action to protect the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club and carpark … [and] about lack of community awareness of flooding risks over coming decades along the riverfront.”
Since 2016, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Surf Coast Shire Council and Barwon Water have collaborated to collect and store water from the Anglesea River during the winter-spring period and pump it back in over the drier summer months.
These supplemental flows maintain water levels in the estuary and deliver social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits to the local community.
Our formal position on the management and health of the Anglesea River and catchment is consistent with our commitment to evidence-based decision making and listening to the community.
1. The Anglesea River is highly valued by the Anglesea community, and its health plays a fundamental role in the region’s broader ecological integrity.
2. Evidence-based decision making is the basis for all management decisions regarding the short- and longterm remediation of the Anglesea River and catchment.
3. Future groundwater extraction from the Anglesea catchment is only supported when there is sufficient evidence that such activities do not detrimentally impact the river and catchments health.
It's worth noting that while we were conducting our community engagement, Barwon Water was also engaging with the community about the Anglesea Borefield. This might explain why the Anglesea River didn’t feature prominently in our conversations with the community.
WHAT WE HEARD
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES & KEY THEMES
We heard that there are numerous priorities that the community would like to see addressed in the Anglesea CAP, in addition to planning for coastal hazards as noted in the section 3.2, and a series of key themes were also distilled from community feedback in terms of community aspirations for the future of the Anglesea coast.
In this section the community priorities are listed first and in order from most to least mentioned across our engagement for Stage 2, and then key themes are listed in no particular order.
Access and Infrastructure at Point Roadknight
As previously identified, Point Roadknight was a focal point of the community engagement largely due to a healthy engagement with members of the Anglesea Motor Yacht Club (AMYC) who attended our ‘Walk and Talks’ and our community workshops (kindly hosting one at their club house) and completed our online survey.
A primary concern for many of the AMYC members we heard from is the erosion of the beach and cliff from the boat ramp towards Soapy Rocks and the impact this will have on access to the boat ramp, the AMYC carpark, potentially the AMYC Clubhouse, Aboriginal culture heritage including middens and Moonah trees and the safety risk of cliff failure to public.
“Being an active user of the Point Roadknight ramp, I am very concerned about wave erosion and the imminent encroachment into the road beside the clubhouse.”
“The potential loss of Point Roadknight beach if the current boat ramp is modified or removed - it must not be touched.”
“The Point Roadknight boat ramp and the middens to the left of it need immediate action to save them both.”
“Point Roadknight area is of significant concern to me. The AMYC I am a member of has a need to stop cliff erosion. The boat ramp access is another issue that goes hand in hand with the above issue.”
Keeping it as natural and as underdeveloped as possible
Throughout the community engagement we heard that people understand the need to address coastal hazards but where possible there is a preference for coastal adaptation to be done in a way that is in line with the natural aesthetic, prioritises preservation of wild spaces and maintains the current look and feel of the Anglesea coast.
“Would like to ensure that any stages of work that are carried out, maintain the coastal vibe of this area.”
“Preservation as a focus rather than tourism.”
“I would like to see a strong prioritisation for environment over infrastructure and significant consideration into allowing coastal retreat to occur where possible.”
“Act in haste. Repent at leisure.”
“It is important that a plan recognises the needs of all, and not the views of a few … the ability to balance policy and preservation that is the key to adoption by the communities most effected by these proposed plans.”
“We should take this opportunity to preserve what is left of the wild and beautiful places on our coast.”
Protecting flora and fauna
In keeping with the Anglesea community’s strong value of the natural environment and ecosystem, as mentioned previously in this report, the protection of local flora and fauna was raised as a priority for the Anglesea CAP, again with a focus on Point Roadnight but also along the whole Anglesea coastline, including the Anglesea River and heathland.
“Point Roadknight is a really important site for flora and fauna and is in need of more protection...”
“The point continues to be affected by both natural forces and human intrusion resulting in sand hill degradation. Fencing throughout this area needs refurbishment with additional plantings.”
“The entire coast from Urqhuart's Bluff to Point Addis should be protected - at the expense of further development or human use if necessary. Our species does not boast a good track record of caring for our planet sustainably.”
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES & KEY THEMES CONTINUED
The Anglesea River
As also discussed in Section 3.2 of this report, the Anglesea River has a history of acidity fluctuations that have led to poor river health, reduced recreational values and increased risk of CASS activation in the estuary. The Anglesea River’s health was highlighted as a priority will solutions required to return it to good health. It was also noted by community as a site of inundation/flooding in the future.
“The River, as it has the a pressing need and solutions that are viable.”
“The river needs to be protected and restored.”
“Anglesea river and estuary impacted by erosion and climate change.”
“Wanted to highlight importance of action on a problem we have now…. [in the] acidification of the Anglesea River.”
“I strongly urge consideration to extending the retaining wall so that the beach is accessible from shark park / riverbank at all times without traversing (and damaging) the sand dunes.”
Frustration and scepticism
Another concern we heard from community members was frustration with perceived lack of action in addressing their long-held concerns for the erosion of the Anglesea coastline and scepticism of yet another planning process from a land manager some respondents don’t fully trust.
“Stop wasting money on consultants and start fixing things.”
“Please get on and DO SOMETHING. We have had so many reports . . . why will yours be any better than the past.”
Managing Cliff Risk
“We have had multiple studies of the Anglesea coast and in particular the Point Roadknight area… one thing in particular that was recommended was that doing nothing was "not an option". However, that is exactly what has happened.”
The management of cliff erosion, cliff failures and the associated risk to public safety on the Anglesea Coast was flagged as something users of the Anglesea Coast would like addressed in the Anglesea CAP, perhaps without quite knowing what the solution is to the issue.
“I see the cliff collapse as the greatest issue. I don't have knowledge to understand what actions can be taking to manage the storm tidal damage which has occurred.”
“Cliff erosion is important but solutions are much more complex.”
“I am very concerned at the relatively passive management of cliff-fall risks in the busy Pt Roadknight area, where I believe the reliance on signs is inadequate.”
COMMUNITY
PRIORITIES & KEY THEMES CONTINUED
When we asked respondents what they would like the Anglesea coast to be like in 10-20 years a number of key themes emerged in their responses which also echo the aspirations of community members we spoke to throughout our in-person engagement.
These themes for the future of the Anglesea Coast are listed below in no particular order.
Resilient
“… adaptable, with coasts naturally being extremely dynamic, I would hope our short-term presences on the coast would not stop its ability to naturally adapt to changing environmental conditions.”
“…a preserved natural environment that absorbs the impact of climate change by planning for today.”
“…clear on what adaptation and its consequences are to allow people to enjoy the coastline but balance this with environmental values.”
Still here
“Unchanged as possible.”
“Much the same as it is now. Protected and still beautiful with the environment at its core.”
“I would like my grandchildren to bear witness to unspoilt beaches and the environment.”
“As beautiful as it is today with not too much damage from over development.”
Protected
“Protecting the coast matters.”
“I plan to live here the rest of my life and want to preserve this special part of the world.”
“I want to maintain the beautiful, natural feel of this beach, and the wonderful easy access that we have to it, whilst also protecting it for the future.”
“Still home to its current native wildlife but free of foxes and feral pests.”
“… clean, safe, and managed for its environmental values and processes.”
Better Managed
Accessible
“Still able to be accessed safely, all our beaches from Demons bluff to Urqhuarts.”
"A thriving destination for local residents and visitors to continue to enjoy as they do today.”
"A secure piece of coastline with safe accessible beach with natural beauty free of ugly manmade structures.”
"Still accessible to the locals and public and not closed due dangerous cliff collapses.”
“I believe the controlling bodies need to understand that this is serious and it needs to addressed before there is nothing left.”
“… better managed regarding erosion along cliff and shoreline and monitored closely regarding pollution and waste.”
“Well managed so that it has retained its beauty and accessibility plus minimal disruption of infrastructure.”
“In better condition and more cared for than it is today.”
Underdeveloped
“Unspoilt by overdevelopment and subdivision.”
“Free of man made structures, break walls etc.”
“A place free of development.”
“As natural as possible with the overlays of development… remain as a low-rise village.”
NEXT STEPS
This report
This report, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions we received during our community engagement period, will be published on the Love of the Anglesea Coast Have Your Say page and distributed through the Anglesea Community Network monthly bulletin and via a project update to community stakeholders and project followers. We will also promote via the Authority’s social media and traditional media channels.
Given the breadth and length of this report a short video will also be developed and released in the coming weeks to help share the report’s findings with as many of those who also love the Anglesea coast.
This report, along with the full data set from our stage two engagement will not only inform the Anglesea CAP but is also available to inform other relevant projects at the Authority, such as future master planning.
The Anglesea CAP
Our approach to the Anglesea CAP follows the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ framework and guidelines.
As we progress this project, all the local knowledge shared with us through our stage two community engagement will provide a foundation for confirming coastal values and objectives, coastal processes, and tailoring adaptation options.
For example, stages three and four of this project will build off this foundational work, with place-based values and aspirations embedded in the hazard exposure, risk and vulnerability assessments.
Again, at stage five, this local knowledge, values and aspiration will help inform adaptation options and pathways to address coastal hazards along the Anglesea coast out until 2100+.
At the time of publishing this report we have progressed to Stage 3 of the Anglesea CAP and are currently examining the coastal process and drivers of change in the study area.
Upcoming community engagement
With community engagement embedded into every stage of the project we look forward to inviting those who love the Anglesea coast to a Coastal Hazard and Adaptation webinar in August/September 2024.
The webinar will run for 75 minutes and feature a panel of experts sharing the science behind the coastal adaptation planning for our coast with the option for questions and answers at the end of the session.
For more information on this project and to receive regular project updates please visit www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/love-anglesea and click the +follow button.
For enquiries or additional written submissions please email us at: haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.
If you have further questions about the project, please visit the Have Your Say webpage.
The project team can be contacted at: haveyoursay@GreatOceanRoadAuthority.vic.gov.au.