COLLAPSE SPARKS SAFETY FEARS
A LARGE cliff collapse at Anglesea has sparked a safety warning, with beachgoers urged to avoid walking under or near cliffs.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is calling for beach users to exercise caution after a recent cliff collapse near Demons Bluff in Anglesea.
Acting coastal reserves manager Evan Francis said that due to the dynamic nature of the coastline, visitors are encouraged to avoid walking near cliffs.
“Visitors can assist by staying on designated tracks and not walking below cliffs, especially at higher tides,” Mr Francis said.
He said many cliff areas, including between Jan Juc and Point Roadknight and at Aireys Inlet, were unstable and could also fall.
The extent and severity of cliff failure can increase over the summer period due to the drying effects of hot weather, resulting in increased cracking and fracturing of cliff faces.
Mr Francis said the fallen rocks will remain at the base of the cliff at Demons Bluff to help stabilise the area and protect other undercut sections.
In August 2016, GORCC rerouted 400 metres of the Surf Coast Walk at Demons Bluff after an engineer’s report revealed that cracks in the side of the cliff represented a safety risk.
A raised boardwalk was constructed in 2017 above an existing ‘goat track’ across the heathlands to minimise vegetation disturbance.
GORCC will continue to provide hazard warning signs, fencing and revegetation programs to help reduce the risk to the public in these areas.
Ongoing cliff monitoring and geotechnical investigations are being undertaken to assess future risks.