Waterfront homes at risk of collapse, residents face evacuation after shock southeast seawall failure
Three waterfront homes at risk of collapse after an unsteady seawall brought down three balconies and destroyed a walkway along the Patterson River have been evacuated, with nearby residents saying issues had been known for years.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
People living in three waterfront homes have been evacuated after an unsteady seawall cracked underneath, causing balconies to crash down in Melbourne’s southeast.
Three balconies in Patterson Lakes’ Scarborough Drive gave way and destroyed the walkway below near the scenic Patterson River.
Shocking images taken by horrified onlookers show balconies destroyed, along with outdoor furniture, after the seawall crumbled underneath.
SES media officer Kath Jessop said residents at the three households had been placed in temporary accommodation as organised by Kingston City Council.
“Three balconies including decking collapsed as a result of tides washing away some foundations on several homes,” Ms Jessop said.
“Three households from the impacted properties have been relocated, with the incident being dealt with by local council and body corporate.”
East West Dive and Salvage crews worked through the afternoon to clear debris from the scene, including fallen outdoor furniture and pot plants.
An SES spokesman earlier said the seawall was failing. “Bits (are) falling into the water … there is a risk of it falling down,” the spokesman said.
Next door neighbour Helen Renisch told the Leader the incident was “heartbreaking” but felt confident that her balcony and marina access was secure. “I feel for them and what they’re going through, especially during lockdown” she said.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the unsteady seawall had caused problems at the back of a number of houses along Scarborough Dr over the past three years.
“The seawall cracked near numbers nine and 11 three years ago … it was serious but it wasn’t like this,” the resident of 18 years said.
“It’s always causing problems but Kingston Council refuses to take responsibility in making it safe again.”
Kingston Council was contacted for comment.
Lifelong Patterson Lakes resident Cameron Howe said the incident was “nothing like” he’d seen on the busy marina before.
“There needs to be an appropriate assessment for all seawall foundations,” he said.
Scarborough Drive is in the centre of the Patterson Lakes marina, which spills out into the popular Patterson River which is a hotspot for recreational boaters and fishers.
There were no reports of injuries or the seawall cracking at any other location.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
MORE NEWS
ALLEGED DRUG DEALER CAUGHT LATE AT NIGHT