By Rob Sharp
Emergency authorities have renewed their warning of a “significant risk to human life” associated with a potential cliff collapse at the beach below Demons Bluff near Anglesea.
VicEmergency issued the warning on Saturday afternoon, asking residents and visitors to stay away from the beach which has been closed for public safety due to further landslips in the area.
“Until further notice, the beach below Demons Bluff is closed to the public due to the significant risk to human life associated with potential cliff collapse,” the alert warned.
Demons Bluff near Anglesea has experienced recent cliff stability issues.
“Like all coastal environments, the cliffs are subject to dynamic weather events and prone to cracking, erosion and landslips.”
Authorities said signage had been installed at all beach access points advising of the closure.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) said the warning for the area had been renewed following landslips earlier in the month.
“Monthly monitoring of the cliffs at Demons Bluff has shown cracks in the cliff face widening, increasing the risk of more landslips occurring,” a spokesman said.
Many cliff areas along the Surf Coast, particularly between Jan Juc and Aireys Inlet, are susceptible to erosion and landslips, DELWP regional manager Michael Noelker said.
“A series of recent landslips means closing the beach below Demons Bluff is the best option to keep our community safe,” Mr Noelker said.