Fresh damage to a public beach in Frankston South has occurred, adding to concerns over unauthorized construction. This comes as enforcement action continues against a man who built an illegal seawall nearby. Investigations are underway to determine the extent of the damage and those responsible.
Unauthorized construction activities have caused further damage to a public beach in Frankston South , raising concerns amidst ongoing enforcement actions related to an illegal seawall built nearby. Video footage captured on Sunday reveals an excavator actively removing rocks along the Port Phillip Bay shoreline, located south of Olivers Hill. Authorities are currently gathering evidence at the site, investigating the recent unauthorized works.
While the exact individuals or entities responsible for the Sunday's digging remain unconfirmed, a spokesperson from the relevant authority stated that they have contacted several property owners in the area and observed an excavator on a vacant seaside block nearby. This incident highlights the growing issue of unauthorized alterations to the coastline and the challenges faced in protecting public land. \The situation is compounded by the ongoing saga surrounding Gene Neill’s illegal seawall construction. Neill admitted to building the wall on public land without proper permission, claiming the need to protect his property from erosion, a practice that other property owners in the area have also engaged in. Despite initially stating his intention to comply with a council-issued stop-work order and remove the seawall following public backlash, the structure has been further developed, with the addition of a new ramp and rocks. The Frankston City Council has initiated enforcement proceedings in response to Neill’s unauthorized construction, but details regarding the status of these proceedings remain undisclosed due to legal and privacy considerations, as stated by interim chief executive Cam Arullanantham. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), which owns the Crown land managed by the council, is also investigating enforcement options concerning the neighboring unauthorized seawall. The unauthorized seawall first came under council attention in February, sparking complaints from residents to Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke’s office. Gene Neill defended the project, citing the pre-existing illegal walls of his neighbors and the perceived difficulty of obtaining necessary government approval under the Marine and Coastal Act. \The recent unauthorized works on the public beach and the continued development of Neill's seawall underscore the broader environmental and legal implications. An excavator was spotted near the Kackeraboite Creek Beach on Tuesday, though authorities were unable to confirm if it was the same machine involved in Sunday's unauthorized beach works. This raises questions about whether the beach works are a singular event or a part of a larger, coordinated effort to alter the coastline. Local residents, including Labor MP Paul Edbrooke, have expressed strong disapproval of the unauthorized seawall and the damage inflicted upon native vegetation and Crown land. The MP emphasized that even though the beach area in front of Neill’s home may not be the most visually appealing, it remains public property and is used for activities such as dog walking. The continued environmental degradation and the persistent flouting of regulations highlight the need for stricter enforcement and better protection of public spaces
Beach Erosion Unauthorized Construction Seawall Frankston South Public Land Environmental Damage Legal Action Coastal Protection
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