‘Pro-tecting’ Bells

By Cherie Donnellan
NEW set-up processes will reduce the Rip Curl Pro’s impact on Bells Beach this year, according to organisers.
Surfing Victoria executive director Max Wells said both surfers and environmentalists were happy with the changes.
Surfing Victoria and Rip Curl had cut a week from construction and deconstruction time to reduce environmental impacts, he said.
“We’ve done quite a bit of community consultation in the last year to improve the event.
“We were worried about the time constraints but we’re committing ourselves to the local community.”
Mr Wells said Surfing Victoria had also erected fencing to protect Winki Pop heathlands from damage during the 12-day event.
Spectators invaded the heathlands at last year’s event, prompting environmental and safety concerns.
Rip Curl Pro event manager Brooke Farris said environmental protection was a major focus.
“We remain deeply invested in the welfare of Bells and work closely with the shire, local community groups and concerned citizens to ensure that together we nurture this surfing reserve for many years to come.”
Mr Wells said Surfing Victoria and Rip Curl would continue their commitment to “give the reserve back in a cleaner way than when we received it”.
The organisers donated $50,000 to Bells Beach Surfing Reserve after last year’s event.
Ms Farris said she hoped the money would go toward a new management plan for Bells.
Controversy has surrounded the plan, with surfers and community groups fearing it will turn the reserve into a “theme park”.
Rip Curl Pro organisers were this week hoping fine weather would help draw large crowds.
Ms Farris expected over one million viewers to watch an online broadcast of the contest.
Reigning champions Joel Parkinson and Sally Fitzgibbons would return to defend their titles.
Ms Farris said Rip Curl would bring back its “wall of fame” to the event car park “as a homage to the world’s longest running professional surfing event and champions of the past 50 years”.
The Rip Curl Pro is now in its 51st year.