Abseilers tackle dangerous cliffs on Great Ocean Road

ABSEILERS are clambering across Great Ocean Road cliff faces east of Lorne to stop rocks falling on passing cars.
VicRoads said a team of abseilers were hanging off rock anchors 20 to 40 metres above the iconic road to install wire netting on the unstable cliffs.
The high-flying work involve hand-removal of loose rocks and lopping vegetation over the next 10 weeks, VicRoads said.
“Using wire rock netting means that major earthworks can be avoided and the aesthetic, ecological and heritage impacts are minimised,” said VicRoads’ Mark Koliba said.
“The visual impact of the netting will soften over time as the pre-existing vegetation regrows through the netting.
“Rocks and debris regularly fall from the cliffs along this and other parts of the Great Ocean Road. These works will improve safety for every person who uses the Great Ocean Road.
“The works are part of a larger $50 million plan to improve the condition of the Great Ocean Road and ensure it is safe and reliable for the 7.2 million people who visit the Great Ocean Road each year.”
Two men were seriously injured last week when they fell while abseiling to carry out erosion works at Cape Woolami.