A proposed $9.2 million viewing platform upgrade at the Twelve Apostles has drawn criticism from one community group, which says the project "fails to take into consideration" the nature of the coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Port Campbell Community Group secretary Marion Manifold said the limestone cliffs at the site of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan project were "riddled with lineations" making it "unsuitable" for additional infrastructure.
"There are fracture drainage lines, caverns, and sink holes that make the 'diving-board style' platform unsafe," Ms Manifold said.
"Geotechnical experts recommend not siting any major infrastructure near the fragile cliffs. The extensive infrastructure being carried out at the Twelve Apostles cliff edge - roadways, drilling, and anchoring foundations - will weaken the cliff and accelerate collapse.
"Vibration has been proven to create cliff collapse, as do earth tremors. The Twelve Apostles does not need a gimmick to get more tourists to the area, as it will happen naturally when COVID lockdowns end. The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan recommended taking the pressure off the Twelve Apostles site.
"Works should be halted until the geotechnical reports for the viewing platform are made public to allow greater scrutiny and risk assessment."
IN OTHER NEWS:
But Parks Victoria acting regional manager Dale Antonysen said such factors had been "fully considered" in the plan.
"Visitor safety is always our highest priority," Mr Antonysen said.
"The concerns raised have been fully considered for the project - extensive geotech investigation was undertaken as part the detailed design of the new lookout."
The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan was also informed by extensive community consultation.
The new lookout - expected to be complete in 2023 - is located on Kirrae Wurrung Country and will have two "clapsticks" in the colours of the Ngayook (a sulphur crested cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (a red tailed black cockatoo).