Construction of new coastal infrastructure to manage the impacts of beach and foreshore erosion will get underway in Apollo Bay over the next few weeks.
Phase one of the project will see two new 70-meter-long groynes constructed south of the existing Milford Street revetement and to the south of Milford Creek.
Sections of rock seawall will also be constructed between the two Groynes to protect the dune, walking path, cypress trees and Great Ocean Road.
Groynes are rock structures running from the beach out into the surf zone that capture sand as is drifts past and deposits it on the beach. The sea wall will act as a permanent physical barrier to protect the foreshore from the impacts of waves and erosion.
Detailed engineering work has determined the location and design of the new infrastructure to ensure they deliver results and can last long-term in what is a dynamic coastal environment.
Extensive community engagement on the issue of coastal erosion over several years has also been incorporated into the design.
Works will include revegetation of the foreshore and construction of new access points to ensure people can continue to walk along the beach and foreshore safely. Temporary access points will be made available during construction.
Prior to major construction beginning, additional sand renourishment will occur in preparation for the new groynes and rock wall.
Work will pause over public holidays and the Easter period and is expected to be complete by the middle of 2021.
$3 million was provided for phase one of the project as part of the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package.
An additional $4.4 million has also been provided in the Victorian Budget 2020-21 for the next round of works that will include additional infrastructure and renourishment. Further details of phase two of the project will be released later this year.
For regular updates and more information on the concept design: https://www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-programs/apollo-bay-and-marengo
Comments attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney:
“Over the next few weeks, locals will see work really ramping up on the beach and foreshore, so we encourage everyone to follow the warning signs to ensure their safety.”
“It’s exciting to get phase one of this project underway and have funding locked in for phase two. While this is a large and complex issue, new coastal infrastructure like groynes and sea walls will help reduce the impacts of naturally occurring coastal erosion on the beach and foreshore.”