Work is underway to reopen beach access at Loch Ard Gorge safely.
Independent geotechnical assessments have deemed the risk of rock fall onto the stairs and beach near the cliffs as high and an engineering assessment of the staircase has identified serious structural faults that need to be rectified.
Significant rock falls onto the stairs was a trigger for closing access by the former land manager Parks Victoria to ensure public safety.
Staircase defects include damaged cross bracing, timber cracking, splitting, degraded footing posts and rusted connection bolts.
There are also large rocks and other loose material overhanging the beach where people are known to explore and sit in the shade near the cliffs as well as above the staircase itself.
To return safe beach access, GORCAPA will do the required repairs and upgrades to the existing staircase, shift a section of the stairs away from the cliff face and complete descaling of loose material on the cliffs, as well as implement a regular monitoring program given the dynamic nature of the limestone cliffs.
Descaling was recently completed at Gibson Steps to safely reopen them and is a proven approach to removing loose debris from cliff surfaces.
Subject to planning approval, works will be complete and the site back open by October this year.
GORCAPA will also continue to develop long-term plans for the site which may include replacing and relocating the staircase.