Rebuild starts on Torquay beach ramp after year-long closure

A KEY access point to Torquay Surf Beach is on track to reopen by mid-December, as reconstruction on the ramp at the surf lifesaving club gets under way.

The ramp, used by lifesavers to launch rescue vessels and for community access to the main surf break, has been out of action for 12 months, after severe storms and coastal erosion caused significant damage to the seawall, concourse and access structures last spring.

At the time, to prevent further erosion to the seawall, more than 80 rock bags were brought in to reinforce the front of the wall in December.

 

It is understood the already compromised beach ramp may have sustained further damage as these works were taking place, with trucks and excavators using the ramp to transport the rock bags onto the beach.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) began construction to replace the damaged ramp this week, but the rock bags that line the seawall will remain in place until a long-term solution is finalised.

These works are scheduled for 2026.

 

“Next year, we’ll kick off the major repair works for the rest of the damaged seawall,” GORCAPA chief executive Christine Ferguson said.

“We understand that this is an important location for the local community and the many visitors who come to the area.”

Fencing has been installed around the Torquay SLSC building while works on the ramp take place, but pedestrians will still be able to walk around the fenced area along the beach, except at high tide.

The beach access stairs, to the east of the club, which were also damaged in the storm, have recently been rebuilt and will remain open to the public during construction.

Visitors seeking a swim are encouraged to use the nearby Cosy Corner while construction continues.