Community invited to have a say on north Lorne erosion

Published on 06 September 2022

North Lorne foreshore, Three Pines car park erosion

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) is inviting the community to share knowledge and thoughts on the North Lorne foreshore to help guide management of the area.

North Lorne is one of several hotspots along the Great Ocean Road coast where erosion is occurring at a fast rate and is impacting important community assets and infrastructure.

In January this year, heavy rain resulted in overland water flow across the Great Ocean Road, eroding the dune embankment at the Three Pines car park in north Lorne.

The erosion damaged a pathway between the car park and beach. The pathway was temporarily closed for public safety while emergency repairs were completed.

Emergency works included: 

  • Drainage bars reinstated on the coastal side of the car park 
  • Drains on the inland side of the road checked and cleared in partnership with Surf Coast Shire  
  • Around two square metres of clay material installed 
  • Geotextile and agriculture pipe drainage installed to manage moderate rainfall events.

Following completion of these works in February 2022, the pathway was reopened. The emergency measures continue to work effectively in high rainfall events.

As part of these works, a Coastal Hazard Investigation was initiated for the North Lorne foreshore to address ongoing erosion in the area from coastal processes and overland water flow.

Community engagement and participation play an essential and effective role in the protection, improvement, and promotion of our healthy coastline. To ensure community values are included in the investigation, the community is invited to have a say via:

  • An in-person engagement session on 18 September, 10am-12pm, at Three Pines carpark; and
  • An on-line survey, which will be open from 2 September until 7 October.

The Coastal Hazard Investigation report is expected to be completed by November 2022 and will cover the coastline between the Erskine River and the Three Pines car park. For more information on erosion in North Lorne, what’s involved in a Coastal Hazard Investigation and how to have your say visit: www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Community-Consultation/Have-your-say/Community-values-of-the-north-Lorne-foreshore

Quotes attributed to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO Jodie Sizer

“Erosion is one of the biggest challenges we face in managing the Great Ocean Road coastline, and the challenge is only getting greater in the face of climate change.

“We know the North Lorne foreshore is much loved and valued, which is why we are encouraging the community to have a say and join us to look after this special place, now and for future generations.”

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