‘Icons’ plan for reserve

ERIN PEARSON
Two “iconic” art features are set to welcome visitors to Bells Beach, according to new Surf Coast Shire signs in the surfing reserve.
The signs reveal proposed works under the shire’s master plan for Bells, which objectors fear will turn the site into a “theme park”.
Bells Beach Preservation Society’s Maurice Cole believed the art features would be statues.
He said the preservation society was also concerned the master plan would bring additional tourist coach buses to the reserve.
“We’re so lucky Bells has remained relatively untouched and that’s its biggest value,” Mr Cole said.
“We want people to take in the natural wonder of Bells, we don’t want people put off from coming here because the area is overcrowded and over developed with tourists frenzying around statues taking pictures.”
Mr Cole said the reserve lacked sufficient space for large buses.
“We don’t have a problem with mini buses as long as they’re controlled, it’s only the coaches that concern us. The issue is we can only fit a certain amount of people out here because of the size of the reserve.
“We don’t ever want to scare away surf tourists with hoards of coaches.”
Mr Cole said the preservation society was “thrilled” with other aspects of the master plan, such as connecting town sewerage to the reserve’s toilet block and upgrading stormwater drains.
The plan also included installation of permanent infrastructure to “reduce the set up and dismantle time for the Rip Curl Pro”.
The shire signs said the plan aimed to retain the “bond” between surfers and the reserve.
“The status of the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve is underpinned by the high regard the local community places on Bells Beach.”