Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to draw the attention of colleagues to a matter of urgent concern. It's the escalating coastal erosion at Southend, in my electorate, and the recent failure of the application by the director of engineering services at the Wattle Range Council for federal support under the Disaster Ready Fund. Southend, a small coastal town, is experiencing terrifying coastal erosion. Strong waves and wind from the Southern Ocean have stripped away metres of sand from the beachfront. In some areas, up to three metres of sand has been lost in just one season alone, exposing steep drop-offs, threatening the local caravan park and forcing the closure of the main beach due to safety concerns. This is not only a blow to local residents but a real threat to the town's future as a tourism destination.

Wattle Range Council rightfully sought $1.8 million from the federal government through the Disaster Ready Fund to implement key erosion mitigation works. Their vision included not just short-term sand replenishment but durable infrastructure to secure the beach, defend assets and preserve the natural beauty that underpins the region's identity and economy. Yet their application was rejected. That decision requires scrutiny because responsible early investment now will prevent far greater loss in the years ahead.

This not an isolated incident. A number of regional communities across my electorate face similar pressures. Flinders University research warns that the data is still limited, but what they measure already shows a worrying trend of repeated storm events preventing natural recovery and leaving dunes permanently eroded. Furthermore, South Australia's Department for Environment and Water has recognised the urgency through the Coast Protection Board's grant program. Wattle Range Council applied for funds to address erosion, flooding, sand drift and other coastal risks. They received $32,000 from the state government for detailed design work at Southend, but this is only a small fraction of what is required to actually undertake the works. It's vital we invest more federally in this region. Failing to act now will result in greater damage to public infrastructure, community assets and local businesses. I call on the relevant minister to urgently review the circumstances surrounding this unsuccessful application and work directly with the Wattle Range Council and the Southend community to identify an immediate pathway.

Southend's coastline is one of the Limestone Coast's great natural assets, and with timely assistance we can ensure it remains intact for generations to come. This is not just a local issue; it's a clear opportunity for the federal government to support a community taking responsible, forward-looking steps to protect itself. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to stand with their fellow Australians at Southend and provide the support they deserve and, in fact, need.

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