Clifton Springs Dell Artificial Reef

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Andrews
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Clifton Springs Dell Artificial Reef

Post by Andrews » Fri Jan 29, 2021 8:36 pm

An artificial reef of marine sculptures will be built off the beach at Clifton Springs to replace the sunken gallery first planned by the Geelong council.

The ‘sculptural wave attenuator’ will be a haven for marine life, explored by snorkellers and rock-pool ramblers, and is also expected to shield The Dell from waves that are causing erosion.

The City of Greater Geelong confirmed Wednesday it had shifted from its sunken gallery plan, and had instead asked industrial designer Alex Goad to develop the new “clever and creative” project, touting the “environmental and educational benefits” of his proposal.
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The initial Sunken Gallery proposal — touted to feature 10 underwater sculptures — had been in the works for more than three years, with council committing $500,000 to it over three successive budgets.

Despite being originally planned to open in the 2019-20 summer, plans stalled last year, with the council not submitting the necessary state planning applications for the project.

CoGG provided preliminary concept images of the sculptural wave attenuator to the Geelong Advertiser.
The series of modular reef units they show appear as moon-like rocks protruding from the shallow water.
They are designed to host a range of habitats for marine life.
Six reef units are set to be installed this autumn, with the first stage costing $30,000.
If successful, it will be followed by more stages with a total budget of around $200,000.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the latest proposal would enhance the area’s environment while providing an educational and eco-tourism “drawcard”.
“This state-of-the-art project further enhances the City’s reef restoration efforts, following the
historical loss of a large amount of shellfish reefs from Port Phillip Bay,” Cr Asher said.
“It will highlight how artistic sculpture and technology can combine with ecology to improve
biodiversity and protect our coastlines and marine communities.”
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The sculptural reef units will be colonised by a range of native species, such as mussels, seaweed and invertebrates, helping to restore marine reef communities in Port Phillip Bay.
The array of modular reef units will also work to reduce wave energy and curb erosion along The Dell’s local coastline.
It would be safely enjoyed at both high and low tides, offering shallow swimming or walk-through opportunities for residents, students and tourists, council said.
The new installation will complement The Dell Historic Mineral Springs Boardwalk, which will is set to be completed in the coming months.
More details on the project are yet to be announced.
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Re: Clifton Springs Dell Artificial Reef

Post by deathray » Fri Jan 29, 2021 9:03 pm

What an inspiring and creative project, if there’s one thing I’ve always thought the bay lacked its exposed moon like rocks.

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Re: Clifton Springs Dell Artificial Reef

Post by hornet » Fri Jan 29, 2021 11:38 pm

I would rather the council commit $500,000 to St Leonard's pier and restore it to how it was when first built,then the Andrews government chip in the short fall = $.
He who has the most fishing rods WINS ! :ts:

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Re: Clifton Springs Dell Artificial Reef

Post by Andrews » Sat Jan 30, 2021 1:34 pm

It's a really unique and cool project, one thing the Dell has always lacked is a structure over the shallow sandy flats. This should build up some reef and mussel beds and act as a juvenile holding structure during the tides. They've been unofficially nicknamed 'Alien Rocks' but a few working close to the project.

A St Leonards Pier re-vamp would be an exciting improvement on the Bellarine, while this would be greatly supported by locals the Geelong City Council does not hold authority to the pier. Parks Victoria are overseeing body in charge of maintaining and funding upgrades.
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