A significant and immediate safety warning has been issued for beachgoers on Victoria's iconic Surf Coast, where a large section of cliff is now teetering precariously above a popular swimming and surfing spot.
Unstable Cliffs Pose Direct Danger at Point Roadknight
The urgent alert focuses on Point Roadknight in Anglesea, a location famed for its calm waters and family-friendly environment. Authorities have identified a substantial portion of the cliff face that has become critically unstable. Surf Coast Shire council confirmed the dangerous situation on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a recent assessment highlighted the severe risk of a major collapse.
Council officers have swiftly cordoned off the threatened area with prominent signage and physical barriers to prevent public access. The unstable section is directly above the beach, meaning any fall of rock or earth would pose a grave risk to anyone below. Visitors are being urged in the strongest terms to heed these warnings and stay well clear of the designated exclusion zone for their own safety.
Council and Emergency Services on High Alert
Local government and emergency services are treating the situation with utmost seriousness. The Surf Coast Shire is actively monitoring the cliff's condition, but the inherent unpredictability of such geological events makes proactive closure the only safe course of action. The exact timeline for when the cliff might fail, or when the area could be deemed safe again, remains unknown and is subject to ongoing expert evaluation.
This incident underscores the ever-present and dynamic nature of coastal erosion along Australia's shoreline. While the beaches of the Surf Coast are major drawcards for tourists and locals, the cliffs that frame them are constantly being shaped and undercut by natural forces like wind, rain, and wave action. Periods of heavy rainfall, such as those experienced recently, can rapidly accelerate instability by saturating the ground and increasing its weight.
A Broader Reminder of Coastal Hazards
The warning at Point Roadknight serves as a critical reminder to all coastal visitors to remain vigilant. It is essential to always observe posted signs, stay away from the base of cliffs, and be aware that conditions can change without obvious warning. Beach safety encompasses not just the water, but the surrounding landscape as well.
For now, the message from authorities is unequivocal. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the Surf Coast, the public must respect all closures and avoid the compromised area at Point Roadknight entirely. Updates on the situation will be provided by the Surf Coast Shire as more information comes to hand from geological assessments.
