Rock bags to protect Torquay Surf Beach Seawall

Temporary closures will be in place next week as urgent safety works get underway to address storm damage to the Torquay Surf Beach seawall. 

Public safety remains the top priority as we work to address significant storm damage to the Torquay Surf Beach seawall, concourse, and ramp. 

Temporary closures will apply from Monday 16 to Thursday 19 December as trucks and excavators install giant rock bags to prevent further erosion and damage to the seawall. 

Around 80 rock bags weighing more than a tonne will be used to bolster the seawall as a temporary measure to help prevent further erosion and damage to the seawall. 

Trucks and excavators will move the rock bags from Surf Beach Drive onto the beach near Spring Creek. 

During this time, the lower car park for Torquay Surf Life Saving Club will be temporarily closed to the public, however, access will be maintained for Torquay SLSC and Emergency Vehicles. 

Traffic management, bunting and signage will be in place and the works will be conducted around low tides. 

Beachgoers are encouraged to use alternate locations such as Cosy Corner or Jan Juc beach and to check for patrol locations on the Beachsafe app.

The Surf Beach Drive car park will be closed, and beachgoers are urged to use the Voss Circuit car park as an alternative.

Specialist engineers with expertise in marine structures and environmental conditions have been engaged to oversee the current works and recommend long-term remediation options.  

Rock bags have recently been used successfully nearby at Cosy Corner to help mitigate coastal erosion. 

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Cath Olive: 

“Coastal erosion is one of the biggest threats facing our coastline, and the rock bags are a crucial first step in preventing further deterioration. 

“These works will provide temporary protection while work on a longer-term plan to protect this much-loved beach. 

“We have experienced coastal engineers working with committed crews to get the job done.  

"We ask beachgoers to continue respecting the safety measures in place, particularly as works get underway.”