Cosy Corner timber seawall to be upgraded

Published on 05 April 2024

Community input is being sought into a plan to replace the deteriorated timber seawall at Cosy Corner in Torquay.

We are upgrading the 160-metre-long timber seawall, which extends from the toilet block to the access ramp towards Point Danger.

The hardwood timber seawall has been rebuilt or repaired several times since it was first built in the 1950s.

The structure has deteriorated since an erosion event in March 2022, which significantly lowered the sand level and further exposed it to the impacts of the ocean.

Rock bags were placed on site last year as a temporary measure.

We are now planning an upgrade of the seawall, with the support of a Victorian Government Coastal Erosion Preparedness grant.

Our approach will follow the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020, and Victoria’s Resilient Coast guidelines.

The project aims to increase Cosy Corner's resilience and better protect it against coastal hazards, which are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude due to climate change and sea level rise.

To progress plans, we want to better understand local knowledge and values of this important stretch of the coast.

The views of Traditional Owners, beach users, community members and other key stakeholders will help inform the seawall upgrade.

Input can be provided via an online survey, with options for adults and young people aged under 18.

There are also community information sessions and ‘walk and talks’ along Cosy Corner during April.

For more information please visit the project’s Have Your Say page at https://haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/cosy-up

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Acting CEO Andy Mathers:

The community’s ideas and values are key considerations as we seek to manage coastal hazards and maintain the public’s access and enjoyment of Cosy Corner.

We want to create a longer-term solution that ensures public safety, reduces further erosion and does not impact on the adjoining Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Local input will help shape future decision making and plans for coastal hazard management and resilience at Cosy Corner.