Posted 30/10/09
A new cavern tunnel has been found on the Port Campbell headland adjoining the Southern Ocean Motel.
The natural karst cavern was found at the base of the existing excavation cutting at the most southerly corner of the motel. The cavern feature was measured to be at least 4 meters long (measured using laser rangefinder) and visually it appears to be much longer.
The cavern is only a few meters from where the proposed Southern Ocean Beach House requires more Crown land to egress their buses. It also joins where the proposed development intends to excavate to approx 10 meters below natural ground level.
The cavern tunnel extends south westerly toward the adjoining largest sea cavern and demonstrates the sensitivity of the area and the likelihood of other similar cavern features in this area. A map of likely cavern lineations shows multiple joint lines appear to converge on this area.
There is no possibility of moving the proposed Southern Ocean Beach House once it is built should a cliff or cavern collapse. An appropriate buffer zone should be required for if any caverns collapse the headland road infrastructure which serves the development will be unviable.
The proposed Southern Ocean Beach House has not fulfilled its permit conditions including the all important geotechnical condition, but it has applied for subdivision for an owner’s corporation. The Port Campbell Community Group Inc has objected to the subdivision and the case will be heard at VCAT later this month.
Decision makers must consider coastal recession in planning for this headland, otherwise it appears the Southern Ocean Beach House may end up like the Cranbourne estate which ABC Stateline (9/10/09) reported may cost Casey council $77 million in compensation.
Contact:
Marion Manifold
Secretary
Port Campbell Community Group Inc.
A0051688U
Email: mmanifold@ansonic.com.au