Residents impacted by Fyansford landslip speak out

Residents at the centre of a Fyansford landslip forcing Geelong road closures have spoken out about the plan ahead and the government response.

RESIDENTS at the centre of a landslip forcing Geelong road closures have spoken out.

Diversions have remained in place for over a month following the incident along Deviation Road at Fyansford, with no official word on when the road will reopen.

It’s understood the Department of Transport has been in constant contact with residents directly impacted by the slip last month.

Deviation Road between Fyansford and Geelong West/Newtown. Deviation Rd is still closed while a landslip is cleaned up and stabilised. Picture: Alan Barber

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said while his property wasn’t directly affected this time, he’d like to see works done to secure lots along the whole street.

“You get a little bit worried about what might happen in the long term if they don’t stabilise it properly,” he said.

“One of the questions I had for (VicRoads) last week was ‘if you’re going to stabilise (the impacted houses) why don’t you get it all done in one go?’”

Detours are still in place. Picture: Alan Barber

The man said landslips hadn’t been uncommon along the row of houses during the time he’d lived in the area, but that the homes themselves were built on solid rock.

Another woman, who also asked to remain anonymous, told the Geelong Advertiser said she felt like she was “in good hands” throughout the process.

The road could take months to clear. Picture: Alan Barber

“It’s affected part of our land, in a minor way,” she said.

“But the response from the Department of Transport and VicRoads has been exemplary.”

Photos taken on Monday revealed the size of the job ahead.

Department of Transport’s Barwon southwest regional director Vanessa Schernickau couldn’t confirm speculation about when the road would reopen.

“We’re working with expert geotechnical engineers on designs for long term improvements at this site and are doing everything we can to complete this work as quickly and safely as possible,” she said. “We will provide a timeline for works and the reopening of Deviation Road as soon as we can.”

Detours remain in place on Autumn St, Hyland St, McCurdy Road and Minerva Road.

Originally published as Residents impacted by Fyansford landslip speak out