Foreshore washes away
Sand being shifted from harbour to save Apollo Bay beach
WINTER storms have caused extensive erosion at the Apollo Bay foreshore leading to its closure.
Officers from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, VicRoads and the Otway Coast Committee visited the Apollo Bay foreshore on Monday to examine the damage and will conduct further investigations.
The affected stretch of foreshore, which remains closed to the public, extends about 1km, from Cawood St to Marriners Lookout Rd.
DELWP Barwon southwest regional manager of land and built environment Greg Leece said agency and technical practitioners assessed the site to consider the risks of future erosion.
“We also discussed the next steps that are needed to adapt to the erosion events and to protect assets behind the foreshore,” Mr Leece said.
“These assets include the Great Ocean Road foundation, walking path, public carparking and water and sewerage mains.
“Options will be considered including further sand renourishment projects and the installation of protection structures along the foreshore.”
DELWP analysis of drone flights determined more than 5000 cubic metres of sand was lost across 750m of foreshore during storms last month.
“In the light of the further erosion at the site in recent days, agencies will also be discussing whether any immediate priority works are required,” said Mr Leece.
“Upcoming works on the Apollo Bay foreshore include the continuation of a sand renourishment project, and maintenance of closures around car parks and beach access points.”
DELWP has vowed to include the community in the decision-making process around any long-term options.
The DELWP and Otway Coast Committee sand renourishment works, which involve 16,000 cubic metres of sand being transported from Apollo Bay Harbour to the foreshore, are expected to be completed next month.