Storm damage that has put the end of Warrnambool's breakwater off limits for seven months will cost $140,000 to repair.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the state government has yet to come up with the money to fix the 130-year-old icon.
New fencing was recently erected to keep people from accessing the end of the breakwater after repeated vandals attacks on the temporary fencing.
Warrnambool City Council, who manages the breakwater on behalf of the state government who owns the structure, said repairs to restore access to the breakwater would cost an estimated $140,000.
"We understand lack of access to the full length of the breakwater is frustrating but council needs to ensure public safety, particularly ahead of the summer tourism season," the council said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Council has held discussions with the Department of Transport about access to funding that will allow these repairs to be made."
While the repair bill for storm damage is $140,000, the breakwater is in need of millions more spent on it to address concerns it needs an "urgent" major upgrade.
It is expected to cost at least $10 million for a significant extension of the rock armour wall, rendering and repairs to cracks.
Council budget papers show it expects to get funding for the major works in 2024-25, with about $8 million of the cost to flow from external funding sources but the state government has made no commitments.
Work on replacing Edwards Bridge in South Warrnambool, which is expected to start soon, would need to happen first so trucks carrying heavy equipment can use it to access the harbour.
CORONAVIRUS STORIES:
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Tap here to open our Google News page.
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group
- Subscribe
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.