Authority monitoring recent coastal erosion

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority says it is responding promptly to coastal erosion across the Surf Coast.

Recent large swells, high tides and heavy rainfall have significantly affected the coastline, with crews presently assessing and repairing damage from Torquay to Port Campbell.

Beach nourishment works have already been carried out at Mount Bay and Skenes Creek to provide increased resilience.

Dune stabilising works are also under way at Mother’s Beach in Apollo Bay.

At Torquay’s Back Beach (69W), storm damage has caused a sinkhole in the walking track, subsequently damaging the stairs, leading to a gravel washout.

Crews are working to repair the site and are planning a structural assessment of the seawall to determine if any repairs are required.

Further along the coast at Point Roadknight. a five-metre cliff collapse also took place 70 metres from the boat ramp.

The authority’s acting climate action and resilience manager Jesse Parson-Jones said the authority was monitoring all sites.

“Recent weather conditions serve as a timely reminder of the importance of cliff safety along the Great Ocean Road and we remind the community and visitors to follow safety guidelines when near cliffs.

“We urge the public to avoid the sites and follow all safety signage in place.”

Natural sand cycles are expected to restore beaches such as Bells Beach, Fairhaven and Whites Beach over the summer months.

For more information, head to greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au