Objections, state review for Bells bid but…Plans ‘awarded’

ERIN PEARSON
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to redevelop Bells Beach has won a state-wide design award.
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects gave its Victoria planning award to the architects of the Bells Beach redevelopment for their “robust” project.
The institute awarded Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture for its work despite widespread objection among surfers to the redevelopment and a State Government review of the council plan for Australia’s first surfing reserve.
Surf Coast Shire heard about the award at a meeting last week.
“The landscape architects demonstrated care in addressing the needs and aspirations for an iconic coastal site that experiences infrequent heavy public use and witnesses excessive coastal exposure,” the institute said.
“The level and quality of documentation, site analysis appreciation and the use of scenarios to map and test potential impacts and user needs was excellent, resulting in an ecologically sensitive a master plan.”
Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture’s Mark Frisby said Bells was one of the most “high profile” areas on which his firm had worked.
“We had a lot of stakeholder engagement and extensive consultation with residents.”
Bells Beach Preservation Society’s Maurice Cole laughed when told of the award.
He said members of a former Bells Beach community advisory committee that worked on the plan had withdrawn their support for the redevelopment.
The Independent reported in March the preservation society feared the plan would turn the site into a “theme park” with surfing statues and more tourist coaches.
The concerns prompted South Barwon MP Andrew Katos to call a meeting with stakeholders, including members of the society and environmental groups.
He later announced a State Government review of the proposed redevelopment.
“We’ve got to make sure some tourism is permitted but also (in) a balance with everyday users,” he said.