Mallacoota - Bastion Point Groyne Wall

Council has commenced remediation works for the short-term improvement of the Bastion Point rock wall.

Design work was awarded to Magryn and Associates, a coastal engineering consultancy to develop solutions for the improvement of the groyne wall, and to propose timelines for civil works. The consultant undertook initial site investigations and generated a dilapidation report in January 2023. The investigations undertaken were used for the successful grant funding application to Better Boating Victoria for the short-term remediation works currently underway.

Investigations focused on specific aspects of the built asset that are likely to be affected by erosion, tidal movements and ground movements, and to identify aspects that will require ongoing maintenance works.

Bastion Point is located at the eastern end of Victoria, adjacent to Mallacoota, and is approximately 500 km from Melbourne CBD. The breakwater spans approximately 110 meters in length and features a crest width of 6.6 meters, with a crest level of 2.80 meters AHD. The breakwater has been designed with batter slopes of 1:1.5 and comprises primary and secondary armor over core material. A boat channel, approximately 21m in width, has been dredged to a depth of -2.00 meters AHD in the lee of the breakwater.

Objective and scope

Large rocks have recently washed off the groyne wall. This investigative and design project is to better understand the root cause of the failure and to propose activities that can be undertaken in the short term to prevent any further failure of the groyne wall.

The scope of the project includes investigative works to identify reasons for recent failures, with evidence-based photos and recommendations for rectification or upgrade works. The report will include short-term and long-term solutions and also propose timelines for civil works.

Dilapidation report (reporting on the current state)
Design of short-term solutions
Design of long-term solutions

Consultation and community engagement

Council was informed of community concerns regarding the condition of the current rock wall. Project updates will be provided in the tab below, when available.

Funding

Council secured funding through Better Boating Victoria for the short-term remediation works currently underway.

Funding has been allocated to investigation works and design only at this stage. Any required construction is subject to future funding availability.

Bastion Point is a popular destination for locals and visitors, contributing to the local economy through tourism and recreational activities. By investing in its maintenance, we are not only protecting the asset, but supporting the safety and functionality of the area which in turn benefits businesses and the community.

‘During the bushfires, the Bastion Point boat ramp was used by Naval and other vessels to evacuate locals and visitors. With the only sealed road into Mallacoota closed and air evacuations subject to smoke conditions, evacuation by sea was sometimes the only available option.

As many supplies came by sea during the fires, including diesel fuel, access is critical. In addition to its economic importance, the boat ramp needs to be fit for purpose for emergency situations including evacuations and delivery of essential items, such as fuel and food.’

Excerpt from MADRA’s recovery report: MADRA community led disaster recovery plan (madrecovery.com)

Landing vessels took people to two ships - MV Sycamore and the much larger HMAS Choules. HMAS Choules evacuated over 1100 people from Bastion Point in January 2020; the evacuation was described at the time by senior commanders as “one of the largest movements of people” in recent times in Australia.

The breakwater provided wave protection during the rescue efforts.

As such, the boat ramp needs to be fit for purpose for future emergency situations, including evacuations and delivery of essential items such as fuel and food; access to safe harbour is critical.

Council understands the importance of preserving our community's assets and ensuring their continued functionality for everyone’s benefit. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work to maintain and improve all infrastructure that serves our community.

Gippsland Ports Bastion Point live webcam

We welcome your continued interest in this project; project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below, when available. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the webpage to follow this project and to receive important information directly to your inbox.

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