Beach bans to spread

Alex de Vos
Proposed bans against smoking and glass will extend beyond Torquay to cover all Surf Coast beaches, according to a councillor.
Ron Humphrey said the Victorian-first bans would start in October.
The Independent revealed plans for both bans at Torquay earlier this year but a report to council from Surf Coast Shire officers has recommended the new by-laws cover “all beaches within the municipal district”.
Cr Humphrey, who initiated the call for the glass ban, said councillors would adopt the recommendation at their next meeting.
Council had to ban glass containers and smoking on beaches for public safety and environmental reasons, he said.
“Police have so many problems with glass on beaches, so glass containers should be confiscated,” he said.
“As far as the state is concerned, this (glass and smoking bans) will be a first for Victoria.”
Cr Humphrey revealed the bans would be part of a local laws shake-up also including $110 fines for entering dunes at Point Impossible.
The fines would help the shire stop men using the beach as a meeting place for sex.
“There will be big changes in local laws,” Cr Humphrey warned.
“We’re committed to cleaning out this area and hunting out those who use the dunes for their sexual perversions.
“We’re using every opportunity to return Point Impossible to a true nudist beach.”
The Independent revealed last month that the shire would also install hidden cameras at Point Impossible to help weed out “sexual predators”.
Cr Humphrey said the cameras would “witness people hopping the fences to enter the dunes.”
“The cameras will trace the people back to their cars and a fine will be issued in the mail,” he said.
The Independent revealed last month that Australian Nudist Association had demanded authorities make nudism mandatory at Point Impossible.
Association spokesman Werner Jacob said forcing all beachgoers to strip was the best way of weeding out perverts.