Phillip Island Nature Parks is carrying out upgrades to strengthen the staircase to Forrest Caves beach in coming months, in response to ongoing coastal erosion.

The works will involve large machinery on the beach that will install 10 screw piles to stabilise the staircase.

The works are weather dependent and are anticipated to occur between mid-May to the end of June. Updates will be provided when the exact dates are known.

The staircase to Forrest Caves beach from the main car park will be closed for approximately two weeks while the works are occurring. All access to the beach and Forrest Caves during this period will be via the Bruce Avenue access track.

Nature Parks Projects and Planning Manager Jarvis Weston said erosion had impacted the staircase footings and the works were important to ensure ongoing safe access.

“These vital works will stabilise and strengthen the staircase structure to ensure ongoing safe access to Forrest Caves so the local community and visitors can continue to enjoy this beautiful beach,” Jarvis said.

The works have been timed to occur out of Short-tailed Shearwater and Hooded Plover breeding seasons and impacts to vegetation will be minimised through using an existing track to the beach.

Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage will be avoided by following the conditions of a Cultural Heritage Permit issued by the Bunurong Land Council.

Phillip Island Nature Parks said it would like to thank the community and visitors for their patience while it completes these important works.

The Nature Parks is hosting a community drop-in session on Saturday, April 2 at 10am at the Forrest Caves car park to provide the community with the opportunity to seek further information.