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Following on from previous notification that cliff stability works at Gracetown were due to commence on 26 March, the Shire now advises that these works are postponed due to the COVID19 situation. The nature of the works cannot be completed whilst complying with relevant State and Federal directives regarding physical distancing.
The Shire will continue to monitor the cliffs and will reschedule the works as soon as practical. With various restrictions reducing the numbers of people accessing the beach, the Shire has received advice that the cliff risk is considered acceptable for the foreseeable future.
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Two 5 m long sections of limestone outcrop approximately 10 m above the beach level are severely undercut. The limestone is made up of cemented dune sands forming a weak caprock. Wind is eroding the sand underneath the caprock making it unstable and likely to collapse potentially landing on the beach to the south of the stairs.
The two undercuts, each about 5m long and averaging 1m deep and 0.5 m thick will be collapsed using hand tools and then left in place to minimise damage to surrounding vegetation. The debris will be inspected to ensure it is secure and not likely to roll or dislodge.
The beach and stairs will remain open throughout the works, but there may be temporary delays as directed on site.
Contact John McKinney, Coordinator Environment Landcare Services on 9780 5252 or email
jmckinney@amrshire.wa.gov.au for more information.
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Come along to an information session in Prevelly or Gracetown to hear from our consultant Geotechnical Engineer who will explain more about recent limestone cliff assessments and the recommended actions at sites including Riflebutts, Surfers Point, Gnarabup and Gracetown.
Session dates
· 4-6pm Monday 3 February 2020, Gracetown Community Hall
· 4-6pm Tuesday 4 February 2020, Sea Garden Prevelly
· 5.30-7.30pm Thursday 27 February 2020, White Elephant Cafe
· 5.30-7.30pm Friday 28 February 2020, Gracetown Community Hall
RSVP now
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A temporary fence has been erected across the beach at Riflebutts to
manage risks until a permanent fence can be manufactured and installed. The
permanent fence will consist of four 125mm
stainless steel upright posts embedded into the rock with 2 high tensile
stainless steel horizontal wires Each post will be topped with a risk warning
sign.
Interpretive signage is also planned to be installed near the beach
entrance to allow the community to understand the risks at this particular
site.
Various other options to manage limestone risk at Riflebutts were
thoroughly investigated including removal of the overhang and battering back
the slope, installation of fencing parallel to the cliff edge, installation of
rockfall mesh, and additional signage, however all were discounted as they
would not sufficiently reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
The Shire will run information sessions at Gracetown and Prevelly/Gnarabup prior to other works occurring.
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12 December 2019
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Councillors have endorsed a plan to that seeks to address community safety concerns at critical cliff sites along the Shire’s coastline.
A Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan which was developed in 2016 identified coastal hazards requiring detailed technical investigation across a number of sites.
In 2017, modifications were made to the stairs at Gracetown and Surfers Point to address risks of cliff collapse.
Further investigations undertaken since then provide a clear direction for the Shire to act in relation to other cliffs that pose ground instability or rock fall risk.
Sites include the coastal areas of Gracetown, Prevelly, and Gnarabup, with action staged over the next three financial years based on risk and priority of the work required.
Immediate action will see a temporary fence and signage installed at Riflebutts to caution community members about the risk of rockfall along the northern end of the beach and to restrict access. A permanent fence will be installed in early 2020.
Other signage will be immediately installed at Gnarabup and Surfers Point.
Underpinning to add support to cliff structures at the White Elephant Stairs in Gnarabup and at Surfers Point is also planned.
Shire President Ian Earl said the work will cost the Shire close to $380,000 over three years, but was much needed in the interest of community safety.
“Council was keen to endorse this action, so extra signage could be installed in time for the busy summer break.
“Community members should be informed on their local coastal areas by reading these cliff stability reports, and also by adhering to the warning signage displayed along the coastline.”
“Community safety is our concern, but every community member also has a responsibility for their own safety,” he said.
Shire officers will engage with coastal residents in the New Year, before further work is implemented.
For more information on works to occur at each site, community members are encouraged to visit https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/coastalsafety
Contact for media questions is John McKinney, Landcare and Environment Coordinator on 9780 5255 or jmckinney@amrshire.wa.gov.au