Anderson Steps Project

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Copyright © 2005 Portland Eco Trust. 26/02/2010

Anderson Point Steps was the ‘first project undertaken by the Portland Eco Trust’

 

Anderson Point was chosen as a good area for the step project as it gave beach access from the cliff top and created a continuous pedestrian access link around the Portland Foreshore, encompassing numerous local attractions such as the popular WWII Memorial Lookout Tower.  It also forms part of the 250-kilometre Great South West Walk.  The steps provide magnificent views of the harbour and foreshore.  The project began with volunteers clearing a heavily gorse area and from there a stairway was constructed.

 

Construction was completed by the combined Rotary Clubs of Portland and Friends of the Great South West Walk, recording a total of 770 voluntary hours.  The project took six months to complete and was officially opened in November 2004.

 

The project was funded from funds from the Portland Eco Trust and a grant from Regional Development Victoria.  The Committee were delighted with the acknowledgement by the State Government that the Anderson Point stairs project was nominated as an outstanding partnership success and as a project of significant community benefit.  At the request of the Minister for State and Regional Development, Mr. John Brumby MP, arrangements were made by RDV to engage a 
professional journalist and photographer to record this project.  The article featured on the front page of the Regional Development Victoria Small Towns Development Report to Parliament.

 

We also acknowledge the outstanding work of the Portland Cliffs Group and the Rotary Clubs of Portland. It is also appropriate to note the contribution and commitment from the Department of Sustainability and Environment through the work of Andrew Gosden who always seems to be able to assist the Trust with project inquiries and general support.

 

ENDNOTE:

 

^{"It is disappointing to the Portland Eco Trust that the Anderson Point steps have been closed indefinitely in the interest of public safety as a result of the landslip and continued movement of the Anderson Point cliff face.}  

^{The Glenelg Shire Council have sought expert technical advice on the cliff movement and have requested a detailed geotechnical report to provide accurate information on the likelihood and the extent of further land slips in the area.} 

^{In response to press speculation the council have reiterated that there were no plans to demolish or remove the steps.  Three test bores have recently been sunk in the area by the geotechnical experts and the council is waiting on further advice to determine engineering requirements to best manage the situation.}

 ^{The Trust remains committed to supporting the health, safety and environmental needs of the public while providing access to Portland's magnificent harbour and The Great South West Walk.  The Portland Eco Trust Committee looks forward to supporting the Glenelg Shire Council and the Department of Sustainability & Environment in working towards practical solutions in this evolving process.....'}