Following work started by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to remove loose material on the major landslip between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek, Major Road Projects Victoria have ramped up works to complete the interim repair and long-term rectification.
We’ve appointed Whelans Group Investments, a specialised civil contractor based in East Gippsland as our project delivery partner, and we’re on the ground working together with Whelans to ensure works move forward as quickly and as safely as possible.
Whelans have set up their site office within the Mt Beauty Community Centre, where they’ll remain for the duration of the works.
Background
There is a large active landslip on Bogong High Plains Road near Bogong Village – one of the largest experienced on Victoria’s Road network in 40 years. The landslip was first detected in October 2022.
For everyone’s safety, Bogong High Plains Road remains closed between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.
We estimate the landslip to be about 70 metres high and 100 metres wide. The loose debris and earth will need to be removed and the landslip stabilised before Bogong High Plains Road can be reopened safely.
What we're doing
Since taking over the management of the landslip rectification works, we’ve carefully assessed the situation and are now confident that single lane access to through traffic across the front of the landslip is achievable by 25 April 2023, subject to favourable weather and ground conditions.
Over the past month our construction partner Whelans Group Investments has brought in a fleet of specialised machinery which has helped to expedite the removal of debris from Bogong High Plains Road.
Our crews continue to work 7 days a week across all sections of the landslip and according to our current schedule we’ll provide access and confidence ahead of the 2023 winter snow season.
Community information sessions
The next of our series of community pop-ups will be held in Bright on Wednesday 29 March. View events details on our Events page.
For anyone who missed the recent sessions, a recorded live stream of the Mount Beauty information session on Monday 6 March and a copy of the presentation slides can be found by clicking the button below.
Detours - access to Falls Creek
For everyone’s safety, Bogong High Plains Road remains closed between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.
The road closure point from Mount Beauty is located approximately 9km uphill from Ropers Lookout.
Visitors wishing to access Falls Creek can do so from the south via the Omeo Highway in Shannonvale.
Emergency Access Track
The Department of Transport and Planning has completed upgrades to the emergency access track constructed around the Bogong High Plains Road landslip site. The track is available for use by emergency services, approved essential workers and residents to provide access between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.
From Thursday 23 March 2023 the track will be available for use by approved 4WD and AWD vehicles.
Conditions for accessing the track:
All track users must have an approved permit. Permits can be obtained by emailing humeregionalpartners@roads.vic.gov.au and requesting a link to the online application form.
The following requirements must be met for permit approval:
- All vehicles using the track must be 4WD or AWD with suitable ground clearance and maximum mass of 4.0 tonnes. 2WD vehicles and buses are not permitted to use the track.
- All vehicles must be fitted with or have a portable UHF radio set to channel 40 when using the track.
- Towing of trailers is not permitted on the track.
- All drivers must travel at a maximum speed limit of 10 km/h on the track.
Track opening hours:
Changed opening hours for the track will be in place from 7am Thursday 23 March 2023.
Access to the track will be permitted, during daylight hours, between 7am to 7pm, 7 days per week.
Daylight savings
Opening hours of the track will change following the end of daylight savings.
From Sunday 2 April 2023, access to the track will be permitted between 6am to 6pm, 7 days per week.
Please note there may be times where the track will need to close temporarily to complete urgent repairs or maintenance.
Business support
Businesses in the Falls Creek area can access the Business Relief Service – a free, confidential, one-on-one phone call or in-person appointment with a local Business Relief Adviser.
Advisers can help you connect with relevant support services, and with your next steps towards recovery.
If your business has been affected by the landslide, and you would like the support of a Business Relief Adviser, please call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. If you need a translator, the operator can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on your behalf.