Rock wall build begins

CONSTRUCTION has started on a new seawall to protect an eroding shoreline near the Great Ocean Road’s famous Memorial Arch.

The Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) is building the rock revetment at Devil’s Elbow near Eastern View as part of its Coastal Adaption Plan for the area, which it developed in response to worsening erosion events.

Erosion near Eastern View has recently caused the closure of the nearby Spout Creek beach ramp, while authorities fear key infrastructure including the Great Ocean Road itself is under threat unless they intervene to mitigate impacts.

Earlier this year, DELWP announced a $2 million program to bolster the coastal stretch’s resilience that it is now installing.

“Machinery is on-site and moving around, so we’re asking everyone to follow all signage and stay safe, including keeping dogs on leashes in the area,” DELWP stated.

“This is a $2 million project that includes construction of a section of rock revetement at the Devil’s Elbow carpark and rock bag protection for car parks and power poles north to the Memorial Arch.”

The project follows a listening post event at Aireys Inlet in April that quizzed local residents on their preferences about how to address erosion.

DELWP produced a consultation report following the event which indicated an engineered revetment “received little support” from locals despite being identified as the most effective option, with concerns raised about its impacts on amenity and natural beauty of the area.

DELWP expects work to be finished by the end of next month.