Paradise Gorge

Our teams supported hazard reduction responses to critical tourist infrastructure accessing Tasmania’s East Coast.

The Paradise Gorge buttress stabilisation removed 2,000 tonnes of rock above the Tasman Highway at risk of falling onto the Highway. Following risk identification and a trigger weather event, the Tasman Highway was closed and rock removal works were undertaken.

Date:

June 29, 2021

Location:

Tasmania

Services:

Disaster Planning & Response

Markets:

Civic

Background

Paradise Gorge is located west of Orford, Tasmania. The Tasman Highway runs through the bottom of the gorge. A large dolerite rock buttress sits above the highway.

What we did

A collaborative team consisting of Department of State Growth, pitt&sherry, Stornoway, Veris Australia, Spidertech and Golder developed a strategy to remove the critical risks rocks safely and minimise disruption to road users.

Within a six-week period, the road was partially reopened following the safe removal of nominally 2,000 tonnes of boulders from the buttress.

Outcomes

Trigger Action Plans were developed and 30+ tilt monitors were installed to provide a long-term solution that delivered an appropriate risk level with an appropriate level of ongoing maintenance. It demonstrated how government, consultants & contractors, under pressure and public scrutiny, can collaborate, draw on individual technical excellence and utilise digital innovation to develop positive project outcomes.