New plan for ramp revealed: Fear over break bid

By Cherie Donnellan
SURFERS and environmentalists fear a new master plan for Torquay’s boat launching facility could propose a breakwater at Fisherman’s Beach.
Surfrider Foundation’s Richard Bennett said a breakwater would “destroy one of Torquay’s most incredible surf breaks”.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee recently released a draft management plan including “a master-planning process for the Torquay boat launching facility”.
The process would be in line with a Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan (CAP) that identified a “large breakwater” as an option for the beach in 2007, the draft plan said.
The breakwater plan was initially scrapped amid community opposition.
Mr Bennett said a development of a “safe harbour” with a breakwater would destroy surfing culture surrounding the “Fisho’s” break.
The generally small wave at Fisho’s usually breaks only during large swells, providing surfers with a safer option than more-exposed locations.
“It’s a historically important place,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s where a lot of young surfers actually learn to surf.
“The proposal would be meant to make launching boats safe but it’s not really appropriate to exchange one recreational pursuit for another.”
Mr Bennett said a breakwater would also increase boat activity at the beach, bringing air and water pollution as well as other environmental concerns.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said a breakwater would have a “dramatic effect”.
“It spoils the ambience of a beach and its attractiveness to people not using it for boating.”
Christopher Collins, executive officer of Victorian recreational angling body VRFish, said Torquay needed a boating facility adequate for the town’s increasing population.
“Boating is significant economically and recreationally to regional economies.
“There is a lack of safe boating access into open water along (the Surf Coast). We support the installation of a break wall for Torquay, as identified in the boating coastal action plan.”
Coast committee spokesperson Jane Rowlands said the management plan was “required to give effect to the boating action plan”.
“We will complete a master-planning process over the next couple of years in consultation with the community. Nothing is determined at this point in time.”
The last Fisherman’s Beach redevelopment, including a new boat ramp, was completed in December.