SURF Coast Shire is carrying out works to prevent the erosion of Bells Beach’s sensitive cliff faces and to protect the area’s cultural heritage.
The works, which is expected to be finished by mid-June, would prevent and manage cliff erosion caused by storms and high winds particularly on the cliffs below the Hammerhead car park stairs and next to the creek, the shire said.
“Erosion of the cliffs in this area poses risks to the environment and safety of beach users including surfers,” it said in a prepared statement.
“The erosion prevention work will involve revegetation of the area around the cliff with indigenous species after heavy machinery is used to replace a stone wall on the toe of the cliff with a stronger structure.
“While heavy machinery will be required to complete some of the work, access to the beach will remain intact.”
Fencing work would also be undertaken to protect heritage sites in the reserve.
The project is being carried out in consultation with the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Heritage Victoria and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
“Reducing the risk of erosion around the creek mouth and staircase at Bells Beach is an important environmental and safety priority,” the shire said.
“The coast around Bells Beach has some of the softest and most fragile cliff faces in Victoria.
“The erosion prevention work focuses mainly on preventing recessional erosion that occurs after fierce storms. This erosion is expected to become worse at Bells and along our coastline over the next century due to climate change.
“Stronger erosion management will help protect the stairs and the area’s environment.”
The erosion prevention work would involve heavy machinery on the beach, the shire said.
This would be carefully managed to ensure no lasting impacts and to ensure that access to the beach was maintained.
The erosion and remediation work would include the replacement of the stone wall below the Hammerhead car park and some sand would be stockpiled during the work.
