Concerned: Graeme Stockton at Bells Beach.
ERIN PEARSON
CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop Bells Beach have lost the support of surfing and environmental groups, according to a formal statement this week.
The joint statement was aimed at State Environment Minister Ryan Smith and the Surf Coast Council.
Members of the groups served on a former community advisory committee on Bells Beach and expressed their shock at being “prematurely terminated with no explanation”.
They said they had only agreed to “fast track” the master plan at the insistence of Surf Coast Shire representatives to attract funding.
Their endorsement came with a proviso that plans could later be changed, the statement said.
The funding would have covered “urgent” work to address drainage, sewerage and erosion issues at the beach but nothing was done.
“BBAC is now replaced by the Bells Beach Community Advisory Committee. The terms of reference of the BBCAC do not allow it to comment on the implementation of the plan,” the statement said.
Former committee member Maurice Cole said all nine former members were fed up with council and State Government over the future of the surfing reserve.
“In the master plan there were 57 changes to Bells and not one was for surfers,” he said.
“Council wants to put five coach bays, a new toilet block, two statues and a reduction of car parks at the Winkipop end but we fear it could cause death and carnage.
“We’re dealing with a very sick Bells Beach here.”
Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE) founder Graeme Stockton said the proposals for Bells were devastating.
“There’s a shared concern by the local community that the future of Bells Beach is being designed by commercial operators and not by our local community,” he said.
The Independent reported in March that the preservation society feared the plan would turn Bells into a “theme park”.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos later announced a State Government review of the proposed redevelopment.
Environment Minister Ryan Smith refused to answer questions regarding the reserve’s future or the review of the master plan.
His spokesperson said Mr Smith was waiting to receive the revised plans from the shire.
Surf Coast Shire, which manages Bells Beach, refuses to answer questions from the Independent.
