Closures announced for Torquay Surf Beach

NEARLY 80 rock bags, each weighing more than a tonne each, will be installed at Torquay Back Beach on Monday, December 16, with a public exclusion zone to be put in place for the first half of next week.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will introduce the temporary safety measures as works begin to repair significant damage to the beach seawall.

The significant damage to the seawall, concourse, and ramp has been caused by recent storm activity.

Closures to the area of the beach will apply from Monday to December 19, as trucks and excavators install the giant rock bags to prevent further erosion and damage to the sea wall.

“Coastal erosion is one of the biggest threats facing our coastline, and the rock bags are a crucial first step in preventing further deterioration,” GORCAPA planning director Cath Olive said.

“These works will provide temporary protection while work on a longer-term plan to protect this much-loved beach.

“We have experienced coastal engineers working with committed crews to get the job done.

“We ask beachgoers to continue respecting the safety measures in place, particularly as works get underway.”

Rock bags and excavators will be brought to the beach by trucks from Surf Beach Drive and then onto the beach near Spring Creek.

While the rock bags are transported, the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club’s lower carpark will be closed to the public.

Specialist engineers with expertise in marine structures and environmental conditions will oversee the works and recommend long-term plans to sustain the seawall.

Rock bags were recently used nearby at Cosy Corner to help reduce its coastal erosion.

Due to hot weather forecasts next Monday, GORCAPA also suggests beachgoers use alternate locations such as Cosy Corner or Jan Juc Beach, as well as checking for patrol locations on the Beachsafe app.

The Surf Beach Drive carpark will be closed, and beachgoers are urged to use the Voss Circuit carpark as an alternative.