Thrillseekers defy fences at The Pillars, Mt Martha
Selfie thrillseekers have queued up to force their way through, or climb over, a 2m-high fence erected to stop cliff-jumpers at a Mornington Peninsula social media hotspot. Here’s what people had to say when asked why they went into the no-go area.
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Selfie thrillseekers have queued up to force their way through, or climb over, a 2m high fence erected to stop cliff jumpers at the notorious danger zone The Pillars.
The social media hotspot was busy on the Australia Day public holiday and the Leader watched dozens brazenly enter the site, which has multiple signs warning that the area is dangerous and closed to the public.
THE PILLARS FENCED OFF BY MORNINGTON COUNCIL
BABIES ON BOARD AT PILLARS DANGER SPOT
Some paused to discuss whether the site was really closed before deciding to go through, while others boldly pulled aside sections of the fence to gain access.
One group of four who spoke to Leaderon the condition of anonymity said they had read about the site on social media.
“We are international travellers. We’re not from Melbourne,” one said.
“When we got here we saw the signs but went in anyway. We came such a long way to see it. And we could see many other people going in.”
Another group discussed the dangers of the attraction as they forced their way back out of the fence.
“Yeah I can see why they closed it,” one woman said.
“It is pretty dangerous.”
Mornington Peninsula Council erected the $150,000 concrete and mesh fence at the start of December after previous measures to stop daredevils failed.
The decision to build the fence was made after the council was told that it faced liability if a jumper was injured.
The current fence is temporary with plans to replace it with a permanent structure later this year.
Locals have complained about broken glass, vandalism, fighting and aggressive behaviour after social media led to an influx of thrillseekers.
Nearby residents are split about the fence. Some back the structure, saying the Shire had no other choice. But others claim it’s unfair on locals who want access.
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