Fairhaven landslip

We are working with Department of Transport and Planning geotechnical engineers to review remediation plans.

Landslips are highly complex and a relatively uncommon challenge for Council, and access to this specialist expertise will help ensure the best outcome. 

The vegetation removal is not the only cause of the landslip. The crack was present before the vegetation was removed and our recent investigations have indicated that it has been caused by groundwater issues underneath the slope.

Replanting of the slope cannot occur until the underlying ground water issues – which are the primary cause of the cracking – are fixed. Replanting the slope now will not fix the landslip problem.

Removing the soil above the retaining wall is not an option.

The landslip is dynamic and unstable, meaning any works on the embankment are high risk.

We need to design a solution based on the expert geotechnical investigations due at the end of this month. The monitoring that has taken place so far has been crucial to the findings of these investigations.

We acknowledge the process is taking some time and testing the community’s patience, but our aim is to put a safe, long-term fix in place so that this situation doesn’t happen again.

Yes, to ensure everyone’s safety, the two-way diversion will remain in place through the peak holiday period and until remediation works are completed.

The geotechnical consultants are aware of the properties above the current landslip and are monitoring the entire area.

Monitoring results to date show no ground movement above the visible cracks, so there is no current risk to these properties.

Geotechnical report complete

The geotechnical report confirms that the slope has experienced slumping and movement dating back to at least 1975. The report shows the existing crack in the slope predates recent vegetation removal.  

The report also reveals complexities that weren’t identified in the original remediation back in 2024.

Causes identified in report

1. Subsurface soil conditions: The site has a unique subsurface soil profile with properties that reduce the natural stability of the slope.
2. Groundwater influence: Trapped groundwater in the cut slope is pushing up pore pressures and weakening the slope.
3. Surface water and stormwater impacts: Surface flows from rainfall on the slope and stormwater discharge from upstream properties is entering the slope area and affecting soil strength and stability.

The report confirms that replanting the area at this stage would not resolve the issue, the underlying groundwater problems must be addressed first.

Remediation options

Three remediation options have been outlined in the report. Council officers are now seeking further information on each, including detailed costs estimates, as we look to find the safest, most cost effective long-term solution. 

We're also investigating funding options (from other levels of government) as early indications suggest the works may cost around $3 million.

Securing government assistance may take some time. Now officers have better information on the likely causes we have begun to seek help.

Next steps

Council officers are preparing a summary of the final report to simplify its technical nature and support community understanding. 

The complex nature of the issues revealed by the geotechnical report, and the expected cost of remediation, means it is now unlikely any on-ground works on a long-term fix will take place before late 2026 at the earliest.

We know locals care deeply about the look of the slope due to its prominence, so we’ll discuss with Aireys Inlet & District Association once the best solution has been identified. This will help us test how best to blend the works into the landscape. However, it’s important that the long-term stability and safety of the slope is prioritised.

Due to the nature of the slope and embankment the Fairhaven slip is a highly complex problem - and our focus is on delivering a safe, long-term fix.

We know the process is taking time and we appreciate the community’s continued patience and understanding as we work toward a long-term solution.

Monitoring and safety

Geotechnical consultants continue to monitor the whole area, including the properties above the landslip. Monitoring to date shows no ground movement above the visible cracks, meaning no current risk to these properties.

The two-way traffic diversion will remain in place through the peak holiday period and until remediation works are completed to ensure community safety.

We have received the geotechnical investigation and Council officers are reviewing the results.

We will let the community know the preferred remediation option, including the expected timeline for the works.

Works to remediate the slope will likely require one traffic lane to be closed, so no works will be undertaken during the summer peak season. To ensure everyone’s safety, the temporary traffic arrangements will remain in place.

Works is continuing to better understand, manage and design a long-term solution for the landslip on the embankment near the Great Ocean Road, west of the Painkalac Creek Bridge.

 We’ve engaged specialist geotechnical engineers to monitor the site and develop options for safely stabilising the slope.

Landslips are highly complex and all contributing factors need to be considered before remediation works can start. 

Landslip status

• Early monitoring showed little movement, but that has changed with more noticeable movement now detected in the middle section of the slope, just below the visible crack, especially after recent rain events.
• No movement has been detected above the crack or at the retaining wall and there is currently no risk to the properties above the crack.
• Monitoring sensors have been installed on site to detect movement. Data is being regularly reviewed by the geotechnical consultant to ensure the site is actively managed.
• Groundwater is running through the slope. The source of this ground water needs to be identified so it can be diverted, otherwise the slope will continue to move.

Next steps

Council officers will review the geotechnical report (once complete) and confirm the preferred remediation option.

Traffic management

To ensure everyone’s safety, the temporary traffic changes will remain in place for the peak summer season.

We have repaired the potholes in the temporary gravel lane and will be asphalting this lane by Friday 24 October.

We’ve received feedback that the bollards being used as lane dividers are moving, creating confusion for road users. To address this, we will review and action other permanent lane delineation options.

Monitoring of the site continues. Early monitoring showed little movement but that has changed with considerable movement detected in the middle section of the slop after recent rain events, just below the visible crack. 

No movement has been detected above the crack or at the retaining wall. There is no current risk to the properties above the crack.  

Further monitoring is ongoing as we determine what has caused the landslip. Groundwater through the slope is being investigated to determine the extent of movement through the site. 

It's important to note that remediation of the area is not just about replanting, further stabilisation of the slope will be needed to make the slope safe in the long term. 

Preliminary geotechnical reports are expected from the consultant in mid November. Once these reports are received we will progress to detailed design. 

Traffic management arrangements

The landslip continues to pose a high risk to road users. Therefore the current traffic arrangements will remain.

The road shoulder will be repaired and asphalted to prevent further pot holes. We are also upgrading the traffic management to improve the bollard visibility for drivers.

Thanks you for your patience as we continue to keep this area safe. 

• The monitoring stations show little movement at the landslip site.
• Our Geotechnical contractor will continue to monitor the site to understand the cause of the land slip.
• The data collected will be used to guide the long term fix.

Traffic management on Great Ocean Road.

• The temporary traffic controls will remain in place while the Geotechnical contractor continues monitoring of the site. 

Thank you to residents for your patience as we work to keep this area safe for our community and visitors. 

The following actions have been put in place as we continue to monitor the embankment.

• Monitoring stations have been installed at key points along the embankment and retaining wall to provide accurate measurements of ground movement.
• Geotechnical investigations are underway to asses the groundwater levels and identify the underground water pathways contributing to the slope instability.
• This data will be used to determine the long term solutions needed for this site.

A road safety audit has been conducted for the temporary one lane road closure on the Great Ocean Road, and changes have been made as per the recommendations of the report. 

For community safety, the pathway along the Great Ocean Road (north-side) between Lialeeta Rd and Aireys Inlet Skate Park is now closed to pedestrians.

Two-way traffic along the Great Ocean Road has been maintained but traffic flow has been modified. The speed limit in the area is now 40km/h.

Pedestrians, please follow signs and use the south side to cross Painkalac Creek safely.

We're continuing to monitor and we're working with geotechnical engineers to stabilise the area. We ask the public to stay clear of the embankment until the landslip is rectified.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Further cracks and gaps in the landslip area on the corner of Great Ocean Road and Lialeeta Road have widened, and debris has fallen to the footpath below. This indicates ongoing ground movement and and potential instability.

Please keep clear of this area.

Further works starting 10 July

We are currently organising for the footpath on the west side of the Grant Ocean Road to be closed with water filled barriers and all pedestrians will be directed across to the east side of the road.

For pedestrian safety, speed will be temporarily reduced to 40 km/h along this section of the Great Ocean Road.

We're responding to erosion and damage along the embankment near the recently installed underground pit and pipe section on the Great Ocean Road, just west of the Painkalac Creek Bridge. 

A void has also formed next to a grated pit on the northern side of the road.

Further cracks and gaps have been identified along the embankment east of Lialeeta Road, indicating some movement and potential instability in the area.  Please keep clear.

What we're doing now (work to start 2 July):

• Installing temporary fencing along the footpath (east of the bus stop) to keep pedestrians safe. At least 1.2 metres of the path will remain open for access.
• Cleaning up gravel and sediment that has washed onto the path.
• Filling in the void next to the pit.

Next steps:

The fencing will remain in place, while we develop plans for a longer term solution, including revegetation of the embankment.