Erosion impacts accessible matting in Torquay

The accessible beach matting has been shortened at the beach for community safety. Photos: SUPPLIED

BEACHGOERS are being encouraged to be careful when accessing the water at Fishermans Beach in Torquay following adverse weather conditions.

Wild winds and waves have eroded sand at the beach, impacting accessibility beach matting.

Due to the current steep drop-off, the accessible beach matting has been reduced in length to ensure community safety.

Residents are being advised to keep clear of what are now “large vertical sand dunes” which can fall without warning.

Signage and netting has been put around the high cliff areas at Fishermans Beach.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) has also installed safety signage, star pickets and emergency orange bunting to identify it as a high-risk area.

Coastal reserves manager, Caleb Hurrell said the impacts of a changing climate is “one of the most pressing issues along the Great Ocean Road.”

“Coastal erosion is a natural process, the product of the coast constantly adjusting to high-energy waves from the Southern Ocean and tides at any given moment in time,” he said.

“We’re actively checking the Fishermans beach access and remain committed to restoring full access as soon as nature allows.”

The Authority has recommended Point Roadknight and Lorne as suitable alternatives for people wanting to access the water using the matting.

Fishermans Beach is expected to recover as calmer ocean conditions return.