Group forms to protect Bells ‘from excessive bus traffic’

Erin Pearson
AN “INDEPENDENT” group has formed to protect Bells Beach from “excessive” bus traffic, according to a spokesperson.
Maurice Cole said he and other former Bells Beach Advisory Committee members formed the group after council recently told them their time was up.
Mr Cole said Bells Beach Preservation Society formed on Sunday to address concerns including “unsafe” bus traffic blocking surfers’ access to the surfing reserve.
Mr Cole and committee members have previously raised other concerns including sewage spills and erosion due to alleged council mismanagement.
“The first thing we’re really worried about is the shire’s new plan that takes away between 30 and 60 car spaces from surfers and day trippers to put more buses in without a bus quota system,” he said.
“Council also has an interpretation plan to design a surfer’s zone and a separate tourist hub at Bells. The hub would have a toilet block with a mural on it, a shelter shed set up and construction of dolphins and albatross statues.
“It’s a complete Hollywoodisation of Bells.”
As advisory committee members they had signed off on the plan with a “black and white” promise they could make adjustments, he said.
“But straight away we were told the BBAC would undergo re-election and our communication site was shut down.
“We’re very concerned about the spirit of the plan not being in line with the community.
Former advisory committee member Gordon Stammers, who has joined the preservation society, was “gob-smacked” to see 20 buses causing “chaos” at Bells recently.
“I know the new…master plan has this earmarked for the future but it needs urgent action now.”