Bid to ban glass

Alex de Vos
Torquay could soon have Victoria’s first glass-free beaches, according to a Surf Coast Shire councillor.
Ron Humphrey said council would investigate a ban on glass containers as part of a review of local laws.
Police Inspector Bill Mathers and Surfrider Foundations’ John Foss have backed Cr Humprey’s call for the glass ban at Torquay.
The bid to stamp out glass on beaches follows Mr Foss initiating in the Independent earlier this year a push to kick smokers off the sand.
Cr Humphrey said glass had to go for public safety and environmental reasons.
“The police have so many problems with glass on beaches, so glass containers should be confiscated,” he said.
“We (the shire) are undertaking a review of local laws with Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, with the possibility of banning glass on beaches. If everyone is supportive then it will be a matter of coming back to the community and council then introducing the by-law.”
Mr Foss said the Surfrider Foundation would “definitely” support the glass ban.
“Glass is a real hazard and I’ve been there myself where I’ve stood on it at the beach,” Mr Foss said.
“There are a lot of clear glass bottles out there, whether it’s a Coke bottle or a Vodka Cruiser bottle, and if they get smashed you can’t see the glass in the sand.
“It’s a very smart move to ban glass.”
Insp Mathers said glass was a headache for beachgoers particularly after large celebrations on the coast.
“Glass on beaches has been an issue around Lorne and Torquay for a while, especially around Schoolies Week and New Years Eve,” Insp Mathers said.
“We’d be looking at supporting it and discouraging using glass containers with a view to improve overall safety.”
Insp Mathers said Torquay police and by-law officers would be responsible for patrolling beaches and confiscating glass if the ban was enacted.
“It (joint patrols) has worked successfully in the past to prevent sleeping in cars,” he said.