Frankston, VIC – Construction of an unregistered retaining wall on the Frankston foreshore has been halted after local council intervention, following backlash from residents concerned about its environmental impact and lack of approval.
The works, undertaken by property owner Gene Neill, aimed to address ongoing erosion issues on his beachfront property. However, the project was met with criticism from locals who argued it disrupted the beachscape and had not undergone the necessary regulatory approvals.
Mr Neill defended the construction, stating that his property had suffered two recent landslips and that there were no clear boundary markers on the foreshore. Speaking to the ABC, he said the works were undertaken as a necessity rather than a choice.
“We do not want to do these works. It’s emergency works, and we are doing it to protect our property,”
Mr Neill explained.
“We’re not doing it to gain any view. We’ve got a massive view from where we are. We are the only block of land here that has not put up a wall to protect ourselves from the sea.”
The situation has now prompted a council review, with authorities surveying the land and assessing compliance with planning regulations. Meanwhile, Mr Neill has indicated he may reconsider his ownership of the property and is weighing the possibility of selling.
The case has reignited discussions about private coastal protection measures versus public land preservation, particularly in areas prone to erosion.
The Frankston Council is expected to provide further updates once their assessment is complete.
