23 October 2022
Published 07 February 2020
The stabilisation project to protect Scarborough’s iconic red cliffs has hit a hurdle in its final phases.
Cr James Houghton (Div 5) said works are 90 per cent complete but challenges that have arisen through the project like erosion and weather have weakened the cliff’s integrity.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, due to the complex nature of this project there have been challenges since the original design,” Cr Houghton said.
“When the contractor began profiling the top of the cliff, the required works began to encroach on the northern end of the Landsborough Avenue footpath.
“To create a safety buffer, our team will have to realign approximately 80 meters of the footpath to allow sufficient setback from the stabilised cliffs.
“As a result, an area that’s currently used as informal on-street parking will be lost, however keeping the community safe is just as important as saving the cliffs from erosion.
“There are no designed carparks there, but it’s estimated between 9-10 cars would fit in that strip.
“I know many people in the community, myself included, are excited to see our beautiful cliffs restored.
“By acting now we will do our best to retain the Redcliffe namesake for generations to come.
“Our contractor is currently finalising landscaping around the cliff-top, installing bench seats, turf and fencing, ahead of the grand reveal later this month.
“Our transport planning team have measured car park usage in the area and advise there will still be ample parking available in surrounding streets to service demand.
“I want to thank locals for their patience and understanding during these works.”
Provided the current weather conditions don’t worsen, the project will be finished by mid-March.