By Esther Lauaki
Residents have renewed calls for Wyndham council to conduct erosion control works and establish a solid management plan of the
K Road Cliffs in the wake of a recent landslide.
A section of land fell away from the cliff into the Werribee River on April 5 as restaurant owner Anthony Taylor looked on.
“I was outside and all I could hear was a really loud sound coming from behind me and when I turned around I saw it go,” Mr Taylor, of The Views Function Bar and Grill, told
Star Weekly.
“It sounded like loud thunder.”
Council staff have since been working to erect safety barriers, he said.
Wyndham economy, innovation, and liveability director Peter McKinnon said the small collapse was “due to natural erosion exacerbated by drainage issues at the site”.
“Access has been temporarily restricted in the interests of public safety and to further protect the Cliffs which are on Crown Land, whilst remediation works can be carried out,” Mr McKinnon said.
“We’ve undertaken a geotechnical assessment of the site, and have been told there is a chance that there could be a small additional fall.
“We have fenced off the site to ensure this does not pose a risk to the public.
“Whilst erosion is an unavoidable occurrence, we are finalising a hydrological report based on the entire catchment and planning some drainage improvement works at the site.”
Erosion at the K Road Cliffs has long been a concern for residents and visitors to the Werribee South tourist attraction.
Council received a $109,000 state grant in 2016 after two council-commissioned reports revealed that natural erosion, the age and condition of trees at the site meant work was needed to improve safety.
A draft master plan will be available for public review and comment in July.
Resident Graeme Mein, a member of the Werribee South Green Wedge steering committee, said that concerned locals feel ignored.
“The K Road cliffs are such an icon for Werribee,” Mr Mein said.
“They’re worth saving and it needs co-ordinated effort.
“Wyndham council is losing such an opportunity to work with very competent people in this community … That’s the frustration.”
