Wall to wall: Authority opens up on plans to upgrade Cosy Corner seawall

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Park Authority will increase consultations with the local community, as it plans out its approach to upgrading the timber seawall at Cosy Corner.

The sheltered corner of Torquay Front Beach is well-visited by locals and visitors alike, but The Authority plans to upgrade the seawall after more than 60 years of use.

“The area’s 160-metre-long timber seawall, an iconic feature of Cosy Corner since its construction in the 1950s, has faced the brunt of erosion events and heightened exposure to coastal hazards, leading to its gradual deterioration,” The Authority’s director of infrastructure and planning, Cath Olive said.

“In response to these challenges, the Authority has allocated funding to initiate adaptation planning for the site.

“The aim is to reinforce Cosy Corner’s resilience against future erosion events, while importantly, protecting its Cultural values and preserving the foreshore area’s natural beauty.”

The Authority launched the ‘Cosy Up’ survey to help develop an adaptation plan and design for the new timber seawall, by engaging with beach users, community members and other key stakeholders to help inform the upgrade.

The Authority says community engagement is at the heart of the process, holding Walk and Talk sessions over the past fortnight, to explain the scope of the potential upgrade.

The Authority’s ‘Have Your Say’ consultation period will be extended to Friday, May 3 to allow more residents to deliver their input.

Local input from Traditional Owners will also be used to inform the design of the upgrade.

“Wadawurrung Traditional Owners offer a unique perspective as the First Peoples of Country, and their biocultural insights are invaluable, encompassing not only ecological aspects but also cultural, spiritual, and emotional connections to the land,” Ms Olive said.

“The community feedback received so far has proven instrumental, spotlighting key priorities including the improvement of accessibility for all beach visitors, and the importance of safeguarding Cosy Corner’s intrinsic natural charm.

Authority staff will reconvene with the community again on June 26 to consider further amendments to planning of the site and has allocated funding from the Victorian Government’s Coastal Erosion Preparedness Grant program to initiate adaptation planning for the site.

Final details for the design of the upgraded seawall are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.

To take part in the Cosy Up survey, head to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/cosy-up