GRANT District Council has determined the penguin lookout at Cape Northumberland is a high risk for visitors to the area and is now closed to the public.
The penguin platform was constructed in 2001 with grant funding from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund at a cost of $74,000.
A recent report by geotechnical engineers assessing the coastal stability found the penguin platform was at risk of collapse and presented a safety hazard.
An assessment of the main access road to the platform also deemed it was unsafe and will now permanently have restricted road access for vehicles unless emergency situations arise.
Council is installing railing across the space where the road narrows, as well as new warning signs.
Over time the penguin colony has been decimated by foxes and dogs and advice sought from the Department of the Environment indicates the penguins will not return to colonise the cove.
The council works department will coordinate removal of the platform and implementation of other safety measures, such as signage and railings to restrict access to the cliff edges.
The community vision for the area, outlined in the Port MacDonnell masterplan, suggests integrating a coastal walking path around the Cape Northumberland area.
This prospect will need to be further investigated and council staff may look to develop new tourism opportunities as a result of the changing coastal environment.
