Steps and Boobs staircase replacement in progress

FOLLOWING a detailed design process, works have started on a replacement of the stairs at popular surf access point Steps and Boobs in Jan Juc.

Works to replace the beach access stairs, upper tier lookouts and boardwalk sections started in April and are expected to be completed by the first week of June.

The second stage of the project will include the demolition and construction of the lower section of stairs spanning the cliff base and boulders.

This work will start in early June with an anticipated completion date of mid-late June.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) Coastal Reserves Manager Caleb Hurrell said the works are a result of storm damage that occurred in June 2017.

“As a result of this, the lower tier replacement stairs will be a non-slip fibre reinforced material, designed to be safer and to meet the predicted impacts of climate change, and upgrades to drainage will also be completed to help prevent erosion.”

To ensure the safety of the public and contractors, access to Steps and Boobs is scheduled to be closed until Friday June 14. Closures will be kept to a minimum where possible and access will be restored on weekends.

The second stage will also require a short closure to the Surf Coast Walk during the week of June 10 to allow helicopters to transport the new stairs for installation, a technique that will significantly reduce construction time.

GORCC is asking the public to respect construction workers and native vegetation and stay out of the construction and conservation areas during the closure.

The project is funded by GORCC’s capital works program and a $60,000 grant from Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Coastal Environments Grant Program.

For more information, visit gorcc.com.au.