Frankston Homeowner Agrees to Remove Illegal Seawall Following Public Outcry
Gene Neill began constructing the seawall without a permit to protect his $9.25 million beachfront property from erosion but has pledged to reverse the works after backlash from locals and authorities.
- Gene Neill, a Frankston South homeowner, admitted to building an unauthorized seawall on a public beach to prevent erosion threatening his property.
- Frankston City Council issued a stop-work order, citing the lack of permits and significant vegetation clearing, and is considering further legal action if the order is breached.
- Neill claims he resorted to illegal construction after finding it impossible to obtain permits and argues that neighboring properties have similar unpermitted seawalls.
- Local MP Paul Edbrooke and over 50 residents raised concerns about the construction, criticizing it as an act of entitlement and a misuse of public land.
- Neill has pledged to remove the seawall and restore the area but expressed frustration over unclear property boundaries and the lack of action to address erosion risks.
The Sydney Morning Herald 
The Age 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
9News 