The Pillars at Mount Martha Mornington could be fenced off due to injury risk
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire wants to permanently fence off a popular site for summer daredevils, amid fears someone could be injured and the council sued.
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MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire wants to permanently fence off a popular site for summer daredevils, amid fears someone could be injured and the council could be sued.
The Pillars at Mt Martha, also a social media hotspot where daredevils jump from the cliffs into the bay, draws hundreds of visitors daily during warmer weather.
The Leader reported in January thrillseekers were continuing to ignore warning signs about the dangers of climbing the cliffs and flouting an alcohol ban.
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They were also undeterred by regular patrols by shire and police officers.
Locals have complained about broken glass, vandalism fighting and aggressive behaviour after social media led to an influx of daredevils.
Councillors last week voted unanimously to shut down the site following legal advice which raised serious liability questions for the council — and ultimately ratepayers.
Interim chief executive Kevin Spiller warned the council — and particularly its officers — faced the serious risk of legal liability if the site was not closed.
“Council faces potential significant risk,” Mr Spiller said. “There’s a very high degree of risk here if there was a problem (accident).
“It would be a difficult one for us to provide satisfactory answers to.”
Mr Spiller said it was essential that the council highlighted the legal liability to State Government officials.
Mayor Bryan Payne said the situation at The Pillars was out of control and the only option was to close it off permanently. He noted multiple thrillseekers had been injured at the site.
Cr Payne said the area operated as a “defacto major tourism operation” in a residential zone and failed to conformed with any Victorian Government planning, environment, health, pollution or public safety legislation.
Cr Bev Colomb said the government should take responsibility.
The council will invite representatives from major political parties to inspect the area as part of its push for a fence.
Council’s property and strategy manager Yasmin Woods said the council had $170,000 in its budget for a temporary fence.
The State Government did not respond to the Leader’s questions before deadline.
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