‘Theme park’ plan for Bells angers local surfers

Alex de Vos
Surfers and environmentalists fear Surf Coast Shire’s proposed Bells Beach master plan will turn the iconic reserve into a “theme park”.
They believe the plan will lead to a surge in tourism and commercial traffic in the reserve, squeezing out recreational surfers and putting unsustainable pressure on the Bells environment.
Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment’s Graeme Stockton said the shire’s redevelopment options posed a significant threat to Bells.
He slammed council’s plan to build an “overflow car park” to cater for growing tourism traffic such as buses.
“We think they’re trying to turn it into a theme park, which is how we interpret the plan,” Mr Stockton said.
Mr Stockton urged council to dump the plan or risk “environmental consequences”.
Bells Beach advisory committee member Maurice Cole said surfers who were aware of the plan were united in opposition.
“I can’t find anyone who thinks it’s good,” he said.
“We don’t want Hollywoodisation. We don’t want to make it any bigger.”
Mr Cole called on the shire to go back to the drawing board.
“It was a flawed process (to develop the plan) because we weren’t allowed to discuss all the issues such as traffic and the management of the Rip Curl Pro,” Mr Cole said.
Development of the new Bells Beach master plan follows a failed attempt in 2004.
Under the new plan the shire proposes widespread changes to parking, infrastructure and viewing.
Council also plans to charge tourism operators for using the reserve.
The plan will be on display until June 30.