The City of Onkaparinga is about to start work on stabilising a 16m section of eroding cliff on Esplanade, Seaford, opposite Gulf Street. 

There have been several collapses along the cliffs, the most recent in August left a vertical face directly below the path. 

The council says the main cause for these types of cliff failures is an increase in groundwater discharge and storm-water runoff as the increase in water saturates the clay soil layers found mid-slope, causing it to slump.

Works were originally scheduled to for later in this financial year, but the council has brought them forward following the recent collapse, as further failure of the cliff could put the path at risk.

The council is in the process of appointing a contractor and intends to start the work to stabilise the cliffs and protect the path and road as soon as possible.

It aims to minimise disruption during peak use periods, but during construction, pedestrian and traffic restrictions will be in place. 

The project budget of $365,000 has been partially funded through a grant of $175,000 from the Coastal Protection Board; the rest will be covered by the council’s Project and Capital Works program.

Full details can be viewed on the Onkaparinga council website.