Drones monitoring impacts of erosion

THE Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORRC) is being proactive in trying to keep people safe from the potential dangers of erosion through their innovative use of drones.

Cliff falls along the Surf Coast are frequent, with GORCC listing the cliffs at Aireys Inlet and those between Point Roadknight and Jan Juc as particularly susceptible to change.

As part of the Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program (VCMP), GORCC has been working on a program where they use drones to monitor the coast for any signs of impending cliff falls.

GORCC Environment and Education Manager Alex Macdonald said the project had provided them with some helpful insights.

“Combined with our on-ground monitoring, the drone program has been instrumental in allowing us to observe tension cracks and points of concern and responding adequately,” she said.

“The initial aim of the program was for it to be conducted as a citizen science program, led by GORCC as the land managers along with several citizen scientists.

“With Deakin University we’ve recruited several volunteers who have been fantastic throughout the whole of the program.

“Every six-weeks, our conservation staff, with volunteers and Deakin University staff and students, conduct drone monitoring in several high priority locations.”

GORCC’s present focus is on Demon’s Bluff and Soapy Rock, both in Anglesea.

Ms Macdonald said Demon’s Bluff has been particularly changeable in recent years.

“There’s been several cliff falls at Demon’s Bluff over the past few years.

“About five years ago a cliff fall there resulted in us pulling back a section of the Surf Coast Walk away from the area that was severely impacted.”