Mornington Council’s new fence at dangerous dive spot slammed

Brazen thrillseekers are climbing a wall built just days ago to prevent access to a dangerous Mt Martha clifftop.

Thrillseekers made themselves at home on and around The Pillars on December 6, two days after the fence went up. Picture: Penny Stephens

Brazen thrillseekers are climbing a wall built just days ago to prevent access to a dangerous Mt Martha clifftop.

The Leader’s exclusive photographs taken yesterday captured numerous daredevils jumping off The Pillars clifftop site, despite the $150,000 fence erected just two days ago to keep them out.

Work on Mornington Peninsula Council’s 2m concrete and mesh fence started on Wednesday, but appears to have little impact keeping jumpers off the clifftop, which has become a social media hotspot during summer months.

The fence was breached by Pillars visitors soon after it was put up. Picture: Penny Stephens

Yesterday, furious locals also dubbed the new fence “an eyesore” and magnet for graffiti.

“What an absolute eyesore … and perfect for tagging!” Basia McAuley wrote on the Mornington Peninsula Leader Facebook page.

Others questioned the fence’s effectiveness. “I was driving past as they were putting the fence in place and saw a group of people climbing over,” Michele Creed posted.

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Multiple panels on the $150,000 fence have already been damaged.

“It’s horrible. Ruins the beautiful views,” Vicky Psiharis commented.

“That is so ugly, and totally inappropriate for the beach. It has ruined the beautiful drive around the clifftop,” Kaye Berry posted.

The $150,000 safety fence is not working.

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The council decided to build the fence after previous measures to stop daredevils failed.

Cr Bev Colomb last month told the Leader that the council had to take action, particularly as it faced legal liability if a daredevil was injured.

Council officials said they wanted to install a temporary fence this month to prevent access over summer, with plans for a permanent structure in six months.

Locals have complained about broken glass, vandalism, fighting and aggressive behaviour after social media led to an influx of thrillseekers.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has been contacted for comment.

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