A wealthy homeowner in Melbourne, Gene Neill, is facing criticism for constructing an unauthorised retaining wall at his beachfront property on the Frankston South foreshore. Neill bought the mansion in December of the previous year and commenced building the wall by February without obtaining the necessary council permits. This led to a stop-work order from the Frankston City Council, which has threatened legal action if the order is violated.
Neill expressed concerns about the safety of his home following recent landslides in the area and stated that he was unable to secure insurance due to the risks involved. He justified his decision to proceed with the wall by pointing out that several neighbouring properties had similarly built unapproved structures. Neill remarked, “We’re pretty much the only house here without a seawall. Everyone else has got protection,” implying a sense of urgency to safeguard his property.
Despite these claims, Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke has noted that his office has received over 50 complaints from local residents regarding the removal of vegetation from the beach due to Neill’s actions. Edbrooke condemned the situation, highlighting the loss of 700 square metres of protected foreshore scrub and emphasising the need for accountability among new residents.
As the council investigates, Neill is contemplating selling his multi-million-dollar property, voicing a willingness to abandon the construction and allow natural processes to take their course, even if more landslides threaten his home. This situation highlights tensions between development, environmental preservation, and community concerns in the area.