Surf Coast Shire Council is progressing work to address the complex Fairhaven Landslip, with new geotechnical findings now guiding the next stage of planning.
Council has received the geotechnical report, which confirms the slope located on the Great Ocean Road, just west of the Painkalac Creek Bridge, has experienced slumping and movement dating back to at least 1975. The report shows the existing crack in the slope predates recent vegetation removal.
Three potential remediation options have been outlined in the report, and Council is now seeking further information on each, including detailed cost estimates. Early indications suggest the works may cost around $3 million.
Council is investigating funding opportunities from other levels of government to support the project. While securing financial assistance may take time, the clarity provided by the final report has enabled officers to begin these discussions.
Acting Surf Coast Shire Council CEO, Chris Pike, thanked the community for their patience during what has been an extended and highly technical investigation.
"It's great to finally get some clarity on the cause of the slip."
"The embankment's structure is complex and it makes it challenging to implement a safe, long-term fix."
"This investigation has required the expertise of specialist geotechnical engineers to gather information and observe the site over several months to get a clearer view of all the factors," said Mr Pike.
"We're working through the remediation options outlined in the report to work out the most suitable one."
"It's becoming clearer that it will be costly and take time to implement. It's also a significant risk to the Great Ocean Road so we're looking into options for government assistance."
"We'd like to get the funding lined up as soon as we can after the summer break so we can get the detailed designs done and put the work out to tender," Mr Pike said.
The report identified three primary contributions to the landslip:
- Subsurface soil conditions - The site has a unique subsurface soil profile withproperties that reduce the natural stability of the slope.
- Groundwater influence - Trapped groundwater in the cut slope is pushing up pore pressure and weakening the slope.
- Surface water and stormwater impacts - Surface flows from rainfall on the slope and stormwater discharge from upstream properties entering the slope area and affecting soil strength and stability.
The report confirms that replanting the area at this stage would not resolve the issue, the underlying groundwater problems must be addressed first.
Council officers are preparing a summary of the final report to simplify its technical nature and support community understanding. This will be published on Council's website – and will include the three remediation options.
"We know locals care deeply about the appearance of the slope due to its prominence," said Mr Pike.
"Once the best technical solution has been identified we'll get some local input into how the works can be blended into the surrounding landscape.
"It's vital that the remediation works ensure the long-term stability and safety of the slope."
Geotechnical consultants continue to monitor the whole area, including the properties above the landslip. Monitoring to date shows no ground movement above the visible cracks, meaning no current risk to these properties.
The two-way traffic diversion will remain in place through the peak holiday period and until remediation works are completed to ensure community safety.
The complex nature of the issues revealed by the geotechnical report, and the expected cost of remediation, means it is now unlikely any on-ground works on a long-term fix will take place before late 2026 at the earliest.
