$140,000 repairs needed to reopen Warrnambool breakwater to visitors

But the state government has yet to come up with the money to fix the 130-year-old icon.

In April, major sea swells tore railings off and stripped the breakwater of sections of concrete.

New fencing was recently erected to keep people from accessing the end of the breakwater after repeated vandals attacks on the temporary fencing.

Warrnambool City Council, who manages the breakwater on behalf of the state government who owns the structure, said repairs to restore access to the breakwater would cost an estimated $140,000.

"We understand lack of access to the full length of the breakwater is frustrating but council needs to ensure public safety, particularly ahead of the summer tourism season," the council said.

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"Council has held discussions with the Department of Transport about access to funding that will allow these repairs to be made."

While the repair bill for storm damage is $140,000, the breakwater is in need of millions more spent on it to address concerns it needs an "urgent" major upgrade.

It is expected to cost at least $10 million for a significant extension of the rock armour wall, rendering and repairs to cracks.

Council budget papers show it expects to get funding for the major works in 2024-25, with about $8 million of the cost to flow from external funding sources but the state government has made no commitments.

Work on replacing Edwards Bridge in South Warrnambool, which is expected to start soon, would need to happen first so trucks carrying heavy equipment can use it to access the harbour.

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