Surfers wary of new Bells plans

The future of the Rip Curl Pro and recreational surfing access to Bells Beach hinge on proposed redevelopment plans, according to the sport’s state body.
Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Max Wells said Surf Coast Shire’s redevelopment options proposed the biggest changes at Bells in more than 30 years.
Mr Wells said the options also suggested significant impacts on views from both car parks and pedestrian areas.
The shire has released a series of options for the redevelopment, covering Bells and neighbouring Winkipop.The options proposed widespread changes to parking and viewing, including the removal of the southern end of Bells’ Hammerhead car park.
Other suggestions included either removing or retaining Bells’ toilet block and creating a hang-glider launch area near Winkipop.
Development of the new Bells Beach master plan follows a failed attempt to redevelop the reserve under a previous Surf Coast Shire council. The failed redevelopment included sweeping changes to reserve infrastructure, including the removal of the Hammerhead car park.
Mr Wells said Surfing Victoria’s preferred options under the new plans would be the best outcome for both the Rip Curl Pro and recreational surfers.
The preferred options were also closest to the reserve’s existing “footprint”, he said.
“In my opinion, option B3 or 4 for Bells would be in the best interests of the future of the Rip Curl Pro and long-term, sustainable access for free-surfing,” he said.
Mr Wells was also concerned about views of the surf.
Surfers had expressed strong interest in retaining views from parking spaces so they could easily inspect conditions at Bells, he said.
A paraplegic man had told him he treasured the ability to watch the surf from his car, Mr Wells said.
Mr Wells had talks with shire officials this week about the redevelopment.
“We both care about the Rip Curl Pro, day-to-day surfers and the chance to both surf and view Bells.”
Mayor Libby Mears said the design options were only a series of “ideas” to prompt public discussion on the proposed redevelopment.
A shire statement said a survey on access and car parking at Bells Beach and Winkipop would be “available” until September 25.
More information including images of the redevelopment options is available at www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/bellsmasterplan or the shire’s offices at 25 Grossmans Road, Torquay.