RECREATIONAL boaters and anglers will benefit from new wave baffles at the mouth of Mordialloc Creek.
Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson and Ports Minister Luke Donnellan visited the creek this week to announce state government funding of $1 million for a project to improve the “wave climate” in the creek.
Wave baffles are timber structures on both sides of the mouth of Mordialloc Creek which reduce wave energy flowing upstream and improve mooring conditions for vessels.
Existing wave baffles have become ineffective over the past couple of years and, as a result, some moored boats have been damaged by wave surges.
A 75-year-old couta boat sank in March after waves entering the creek knocked it against a log while it was tied to its mooring. The incident highlighted the ineffectiveness of the old, rotted baffles.
Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club Commodore Des Fullarton said the wave baffles were long overdue.
“We’ve been campaigning for them for a long time now and credit goes to the state government for getting things moving,” he said.
“We get a lot of damage to boats from waves bumping them and pulling at the mooring lines. The baffles are a good thing. They slow the waves and prevent damage to the boats.
“The last lot were put in 20 years ago and have rotted away with wood worm.
“The new lot will be timber but with a plastic coating which will make them last longer.”
Parks Victoria will manage the wave baffle project. It will work with boaters, anglers, Kingston Council and Melbourne Water to finalise designs before calling for tenders to install the baffles.
“Installing new wave baffles will reduce the risk of damage to boats and yachts moored in the creek and create a better wave climate for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Richardson said.
“Parks Victoria should be congratulated for their careful design and investigation work which is set to make a real difference for Mordialloc boaters.”
Mr Donnellan said the government had listened to the concerns of recreational boaters and anglers who use the creek. “Our $1.15 million investment in new wave baffles will make the creek safer and help attract more users to enjoy recreational fishing and boating in Port Phillip.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 23 December 2015
