Great Ocean Road needs reopening: Andrews

The Great Ocean Road will be permanently open as soon as possible despite landslides, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says.

Victoria's Great Ocean Road has been cut off at times due to landslides but Premier Daniel Andrews says everything is being done to get it permanently open as soon as possible.

Local businesses are worried about the scenic road being closed ahead of the peak tourism season, almost a year on from the devastating bushfires of last Christmas Day.

"We'll do everything we can to get the road open as quickly as possible," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.

He also promised support to local towns as the tourism season ramps up for what is usually the busiest time of the year along Victoria's south coast.

"This has definitely impacted upon a number of businesses. We're looking at ways we can provide some personal support and other support to affected businesses," Mr Andrews said.

Geotechnical experts examined the road near Wye River on Monday and traffic has been allowed through, with some restrictions.

"The landslide will continue to be monitored and may require the Great Ocean Road to be closed if triggers are met," Emergency Management Victoria said on Tuesday.

Great Ocean Road Tourism general manager Liz Price said closures were already disrupting the visitor economy and operators are nervous that more will follow heading into the peak season.

"All towns are accessible and we're trying to focus on the positive of that - you can get to all towns," she told ABC on Monday.

"We need to make sure any solution (to landslides at Paddy's Path) is long-term and sustainable for the economy."

More than 100 homes in Wye River and Separation Creek were destroyed on Christmas Day 2015 as bushfires swept through the town, and heavy rain has caused landslides in the scarred hillsides.


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Source: AAP


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