Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club beach access ramp
Project update - August 2026
Works to upgrade the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club beach access ramp are expected to start from Monday 3 August 2026.
The project will replace the existing beach access ramp with a new structure designed to provide safer and more reliable operational access for Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, emergency services and authorised maintenance vehicles.
The existing ramp has experienced ongoing issues with erosion, sand movement, vehicle access and public safety. The new ramp has been designed to better respond to the coastal environment, including changing beach levels, wave exposure, dune protection and long-term maintenance needs.
The works follow several years of planning, design, technical review, stakeholder engagement and approvals. The project has been developed with input from Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, Traditional Owners, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and other key stakeholders.
Scope of works
The construction works will include:
- establishing the site compound, fencing and public exclusion areas
- removing the existing ramp elements
- installing new piles and supporting structural elements
- constructing the new ramp structure, including timber beams and supports
- installing Fibre Reinforced Plastic decking
- installing balustrades, handrails and safety features
- completing minor reinstatement and landscaping works around the ramp
- installing relevant signage and completing final inspections before reopening
Environmental and cultural heritage controls will be in place throughout the project. These include measures to protect the coastal dune environment, manage erosion and sediment, control construction access, and comply with permit requirements.
Access during works
The construction area will be closed to the public while works are underway.
Beach users are asked to follow all site signage, fencing and directions in place during the construction period. Temporary changes to local access may be required at different stages of the works to support safe construction and protect the public.
The Authority will work with the contractor, Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and relevant stakeholders to manage construction impacts as carefully as possible.
Timing
Works are expected to start from Monday 3 August 2026 and continue through to October 2026, subject to weather, coastal conditions and construction progress.
As the site is located in a dynamic coastal environment, the program may need to respond to tide, swell, weather and site conditions.
Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Project background
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has been working with Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and other key stakeholders to improve the beach access ramp and provide safer access for lifesaving operations, emergency response and authorised maintenance activities.
During earlier project planning, key risks were identified with the existing ramp, including emergency access limitations, damage to vehicles and trailers, sand movement, erosion, and slips or trips by members of the public entering and exiting the beach.
The new ramp has been designed to improve safety, functionality and resilience while responding to the sensitive coastal setting.
The project supports actions identified in the Draft Point Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan 2020-25, including upgrading access and movement at the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club.
The project is jointly funded by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and Victorian Government funding provided through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Ramp Design
A maritime engineer with over 20 years of experience in marine and coastal projects was engaged to produce the beach access ramp design, based on the predicted impacts of climate change.
The ramp is primarily designed for the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club’s all-terrain vehicles, with the ability to hold larger 4WD vehicles (under risk assessment) in emergency situations or when undertaking maintenance activities.
The ramp design includes non-slip surface with handrails to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Materials have been selected based on safety and sustainability. Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) has been selected as the preferred decking material due to its durability and non-slip properties. Sustainable FSC certified hardwood will be used for the structural elements and sustainable FSC certified softwood will be used for handrails and kick-rails.
The design life of the structure is a minimum of 25 years, with softwood handrails requiring replacement after approximately 15 years. Similar structures and materials have recently been put into place at the Wye River Surf Lifesaving Club and our Anglesea Family Caravan Park. These new structures have been working effectively and have received positive feedback from local communities.
Feedback from key project stakeholders will help to inform the final design, which is expected to be completed mid to late 2023.
Further information
If you have further comments or questions about the project, please speak with our team at info@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au or call 1300 736 533.