Stabilisation Works Scheduled to Commence at Farnborough Road Rock Slip Site

Mayor Bill Ludwig said since the rock slip on 27 February, Council has been engaging with geotechnical specialists to inspect the slip site to determine a safe method to remove the debris, and ascertain if more comprehensive intervention was warranted to ensure long-term motorist and pedestrian safety.

“It’s been more than 10 years since we’ve had a major rock fall of this scale, and the positive news is that the works we are about to undertake will help ensure that major slippages are minimised moving forward,” Cr Ludwig said.

“To achieve this mitigation against further major slippages and keep the road safe for road-users, Council has engaged some of the country’s best geotechnical specialists and has undertaken a range of works including the removal of unstable rocks from the face, placement of fill to support the lower unstable face, installation of barrier protection to the traffic lane, ‘descaling’ of the cliff face, as well as an enhanced geotechnical design that will contribute to a long-term permanent stabilisation solution.

“Council has now awarded the construction contract to Ground Stabilisation Systems Pty Ltd to begin the remaining repair works on 8 October.

“Along with other treatments already undertaken, new works will include soil-nailing and shotcreting of the cliff face which is expected to take around four to five weeks to complete, weather permitting.

“There will be minimal interruptions to traffic flow, and traffic control measure will be in place to ensure motorists safety. Traffic will be detoured via the lower section of Farnborough Rd under two-way flow, similar to the traffic control put in place from the initial rock fall.

“Council would like to thank motorists for their understanding and patience during this time as we work towards ensuring a positive outcome for the community’s safety.”