Jan Juc beach reopens

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) has announced the reopening of a section of Jan Juc Beach, following a closure due to safety concerns.

GORCAPA director of environment and coastal operations, Lisa Mills said the community’s safety was their top concern.

“We’re pleased to confirm the reopening of the beach in Jan Juc following thorough assessments by independent geotechnical experts.

“As always, when enjoying our coastline, individuals are reminded to steer clear of cliffs and caves, stay on established tracks, adhere to signage, and inform others of potential risks.”

The beach area, located between Bird Rock and Sparrows, was initially closed in February after giant cracks were spotted by a paraglider on the clifftop.

These cracks prompted fears about the stability of the area, leading to an assessment by geotechnicians.

The recent geotechnical evaluations have revealed that the cracks are limited to the surface layer of the cliffs and do not pose a heightened risk to public safety.

As a result, the authority has removed all signage that had marked the closure and is working closely with engineers to refine monitoring practices for future assessments.

GORCAPA has also issued a reminder for beachgoers to maintain safety by avoiding cliffs and caves, sticking to established paths, obeying signage, and staying informed about potential hazards.

Despite the reopening at Jan Juc, the beach at Demons Bluff in Anglesea remains permanently closed due to ongoing concerns over significant cliff fall risks.

Beach users are encouraged to report any new observations concerning cracks or cliff changes to the authority by heading to greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au or phoning 1300 736 533.