Coastal erosion impacts Fairhaven

FAIRHAVEN is the latest Surf Coast beach added to a growing list of locations where unstable cliffs and dunes are at risk of further collapse.

Waves have gouged the dunes in front of the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, damaging fencing, exposing a water pipe and prompting urgent repairs to reinforce the main staircase at the site.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority issued a warning asking beachgoers to avoid the dune area as sections are considered unstable and at risk of further landslides.
“In recent weeks the swell and tides along the coast have led to large swells, and there is a chance there will be more erosion of the dune in the coming days and weeks,” a GORCAPA spokesperson said.

“A geotechnical report is currently being undertaken to determine the degree of damage to the dunes and explore short-term management options.”

GORCAPA has stepped up its safety campaign in the last month as visitors flock to the region, conscious that last new year a cliff collapse at Jarosite killed a man in his 20s and injured others.

At least three significant falls at Jan Juc and Anglesea occurred in the lead up to the coastal authority’s mid-December awareness campaign launch and that was followed days later by another large collapse at Demons Bluff east of Anglesea, a now off-limits section of beach that’s had several large falls in the last two years.
Sections of the beach at Jarosite, east of Southside and Bells, are also off limits to the public due to ongoing concerns about further collapses.

Recently installed warning signs at Anglesea and the recent evidence of large cliff collapses west of the surf club have not been enough to deter some beachgoers from sitting beneath them in recent weeks, with dozens of people sighted sitting and sleeping in danger zones.

“As we enjoy the warmer weather over this festive season, we remind you always to follow signage, stick to established tracks and stay away from unstable areas along our coastline to ensure a safe and memorable time in our region,” GORCAPA’s spokesperson said.