Beleura Cliff Path - Still closed
A picturesque cliff path in Mornington, aged 100 years, may be permanently inaccessible to the public and the local community due to landslips posing a serious threat to walkers.
The Beleura Cliff Path, spanning 750 meters along Port Phillip Bay between Mills Beach and Caraar Creek Lane in Mornington, has been off-limits to the public for over a year. In October 2022, six landslip incidents occurred along the path, resulting in the destruction of sections of the walkway, as reported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The council attributes the landslips to coastal erosion, geological instability, severe weather events, climate change, and drainage issues from properties above the cliff path causing soil saturation. The path, established in 1922 through both public and private land, has been under the maintenance responsibility of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Local resident Peter Nicholson, residing in one of the homes above the cliff path, is actively advocating for the preservation of the historic path. Nicholson criticizes the council for what he perceives as a failure to adequately address maintenance challenges. He emphasizes the path’s beauty and value, suggesting that proper maintenance is the key to its longevity.
The council, citing geotechnical reports from engineers and consultants, asserts that the land is currently unsafe, and reopening the path will take a considerable amount of time. The complexities of the project, involving different land ownership, access issues, and contractor availability, make it a long-term endeavor, according to the council’s statement on its website.
Nicholson, a member of the volunteer group Friends of the Beleura Cliff Path, alleges that the council has disregarded requests from the group to investigate drainage issues contributing to the landslips. He suggests that addressing problems like overflowing pool water, blocked pipes, and sprinklers left on in properties above the path could prevent future landslips.
To address compliance issues with established properties, the council is conducting a detailed risk assessment and exploring options for safely reopening the path. Mayor Simon Brooks acknowledges the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the historical significance of the pathway. Brooks highlights financial constraints faced by the council due to cost shifting, rate capping, and inflation, making it challenging to maintain council assets.
The mayor points to a recent decision by the state government to withdraw funding for repairing landslips at Safety Beach’s esplanade as an additional challenge. Brooks underscores the vast coastal infrastructure requiring maintenance and expresses concern that continuing to bear the financial burden could lead the council to operate technically insolvent, a situation they aim to avoid.
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