$2.3m Port Campbell Seawall complete

Monday 7 May, 2012

The Port Campbell Foreshore is secure for the next 50 years thanks to a $2.3 million seawall re-build project, which was officially opened to the public by Member for Polwarth and Minister for Public Transport and Roads, The Hon Terry Mulder MP last week.

The Victorian Government invested in the coastal infrastructure project, which will provide multiple benefits to the people of Port Campbell, tourists and the surf life saving club.

The seawall has been designed to withstand strong Southern Ocean swells and protect the foreshore front lawn and surf life saving club building.

The major upgrade was needed after the existing timber sea wall had been undermined by strong swells and waves in recent years and has continued to demand regular repairs and patch ups over its 40 year life span.

As part of the upgrade works the surf life saving club boat ramp has been realigned to provide more direct access to the water for club members responding to emergencies.

Seawall construction facts:

• The new seawall is 98 metres long and extends beyond the surf club to provide greater protection for the building and foreshore.
• There are a series of large geofabric sand bags buried in the sand dune for extra beach stabilisation and protection.
• The foundations go down approximately 15 metres and around 1000 tonnes of concrete has been used to construct the long lasting structure.
• Special safety lighting strips have been installed around the boat ramp retaining wall for people walking along the foreshore.