Storm-damaged Wedge Street beach access stairs replaced

WORKS to relocate and replace the storm-affected beach access stairs at Ocean Grove’s Wedge Street wrapped up earlier this week, offering safer beach access for the local community.

The former structure had sustained significant damage from tidal and storm surges in recent years and despite receiving ongoing safety repairs, was deemed no longer fit for purpose.

Delivered by Barwon Coast, the upgrades, which were initially expected to finish at the end of March, have delivered a brand-new structure with a new design.

This design was informed by a coastal impact assessment to ensure greater resilience of the structure to environmental conditions and has seen the beach access stairs relocated further into the dune face and outside the tidal zone.

It is hoped this will help to reduce the impacts of erosion and minimise the ongoing cost of maintaining the new beach access stairs.

A larger viewing platform, along with improved seating, fencing and pathways were also delivered as part of the works.

In February, when works at the site first began, Barwon Coast chief executive officer Gareth Smith said the upgrades would provide “a more sustainable and resilient structure” for the community and enhance “the experience for beachgoers”.

“We know how important safe beach access is to the community,” he said.

“By relocating the stairs further into the dune face, we are reducing coastal erosion impacts.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to deliver improved and sustainable beach access at Wedge Street.”

The $171,500 upgrade was jointly funded by Barwon Coast and the Victorian government’s coastal public access and risk grants program.