Beaches are more than just shorelines; they hold deep cultural and personal significance, shaping communities and national pride.

They are places of connection, reflection, and cherished memories. When these coastal treasures face threats, it’s not just an environmental issue—it’s a loss that resonates far beyond the sand and sea.


In a recent disturbing development, Frankston Beach, a jewel along Melbourne's coastline, has become the centre of a contentious environmental issue.

Reports of 'unauthorised' construction activities have set off alarms among residents and environmentalists, leading to an outcry over what has been termed 'environmental vandalism.'

The local council has been forced to intervene after hundreds of meters of native vegetation were torn from the earth. The construction of an unauthorised sea wall began without apparent permits or permissions.


The construction started in January, leaving the community and council officials baffled and deeply concerned.

Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke took to social media to share a video of the construction along the sea wall of Frankston Beach, south of Olivers Hill.

'Upon arriving at the site this morning, concrete pouring had commenced,' he said.

'This is a case of environmental vandalism of our beach, and I will always fight to ensure our beach and foreshore are protected and rehabilitated.'


The response was immediate and significant, with more than 50 residents contacting his office, alarmed by the extensive earthworks and encroachment on Crown land.

Approximately 700 square meters of native foreshore vegetation have been cleared, and despite the lack of engineering plans or clear proposals for the construction, work continued unabated.

Mr Edbrooke, after visiting the site, found workers laying formwork for concreting on the beach—a sight that should never be normalised on our protected shores.

The Frankston City Council, led by Chief Executive Phil Cantillon, has launched an investigation and issued a stop-work order to the landowner.

'Since becoming aware of the activities two weeks ago, the council has been working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action while conducting multiple site visits and issuing formal notices to the landowner, demanding works cease immediately,' he said.

'Following those directions, the council today issued a Planning Enforcement Letter and Building Order to Stop Work to the landowner.'

'Council has no record of what vegetation has been removed or what is being constructed. However, it is now apparent a significant area of vegetation has been cleared, and a seawall (and potential retaining walls) are being erected.'


Still, the situation remains tense as construction workers were seen on site even after the order was issued.

The council has no record of what vegetation has been removed or what exactly is being constructed, but it is clear that a significant area has been affected.

Structures such as a seawall and potential retaining walls are being erected without the necessary consent from the state government or the required planning and building permits.

The council has warned that it may prosecute if the stop work order is ignored, emphasising the importance of informed work in sensitive coastal environments.

Rigorous studies must guide such work to ensure it does not negatively impact coastal processes, marine ecosystems, or public safety.


This incident raises broader questions about the protection of our natural heritage.

How can we ensure that our beaches remain unspoiled for future generations?

What measures must be implemented to prevent such 'environmental vandalism' from happening again?

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of us have witnessed the evolution of Australia's coastline over the decades.

We understand the importance of preserving these natural wonders for their ecological value and cultural and recreational benefits.

Let's stand together to ensure that our beaches remain places of beauty, wonder, and community—not just for us but for future generations.
Have you noticed changes in your local beaches? What actions should be taken to protect our coastlines from illegal and potentially harmful construction? Your voice is crucial in the ongoing conversation about the stewardship of our natural landscapes.