Media response - cliff collapse and jetty update
Published on 05 June 2025
Response to Channel 9.
- The producer requested information about a cliff collapse at Aldinga Beach and also asked for an update on the Port Noarlunga jetty, which was damaged in a storm.
We’re aware of the cliff collapse that occurred near Snapper Point, Aldinga Beach over the weekend. We have hazard warning signage at all our access points warning people to the potential risk of collapse.
The cliffs around the Aldinga Beach area have been incredibly dry due to the prolonged period without significant rain. Cliff collapse is more likely when there has been very dry weather which is indicative of the large dust cloud, which formed during the slip.
As we enter winter, increased rainfall leads to soil saturation, while erosion at the base of the cliffs, exacerbated by last week’s storm surge, makes areas like the steep cliffs at Aldinga Beach more susceptible to failures and slips.
We’ve conducted extensive work in monitoring our coastline, allowing us to identify risks and strategically prioritise our efforts.
This process has been guided by our evidence-based Coastal Adaptation Plan, ensuring a targeted and effective approach to managing our coastline.
We’re currently engaging a geotechnical engineer to inspect our cliff areas, identify hazards, identify emerging issues, and undertake improvements to mitigate the risks associated with cliff instabilities.
We’re also undertaking urgent works to repair coastal infrastructure, in particular beach access points that have been impacted by the erosion.
Cliff erosion is a natural process, meaning the majestic cliffs along our coastline can crumble and collapse without warning. The best way to stay safe is to stay away from the base of all cliffs and to be especially cautious around sites that have recently eroded and recent failures have occurred.
Look for warning signs and fences to keep people away from dangerous areas and cliff edges and use the designated beach access points.
The Port Noarlunga jetty remains closed until further notice after Monday’s storm caused significant damage. We’ll share more information once the full extent of the damage is known via an engineer assessment.
For your safety, please stay off the jetty.
ENDS