By Natalee Kerr
A 60m “permanent” walkway proposed for Bells Beach will no longer go ahead following community backlash.
Surf Coast Shire voted not to include the proposed platform overlooking the Winkipop break in the new Bells Beach management plan on Tuesday.
The 1.5m-high elevated timber walkway was set to replace an existing 30-year-old “cracked” concrete footpath along the Winkipop cliff line, according to council.
But Surf Coast’s Surfrider Foundation led a community campaign against the plans saying the draft design failed to safeguard the iconic surfing reserve.
“This is a significant turnaround from the previous vision which was to minimise infrastructure and keep the reserve as natural as possible,” the group previously said.
“A structure like this has no place in the almost pristine and fragile heath at Winkipop.
“(It) will cost ratepayers at least $200k and be a complete eyesore from the water when surfing.”
Survey results last year found that a “majority” supported construction of a permanent elevated structure on the site, according to council.
“The elevated walkway will improve the experience for visitors and regular users (and) assist the Rip Curl Pro competitors,” a council report said.
A “temporary” structure of the same height and length instead will now instead be installed for the 2020 Rip Curl Pro before a potential permanent platform, according to the Surfrider Foundation.
The foundation described council’s decision as a “small win” for the community.
“Well done to everyone that contributed to the online campaign, who signed the petition (and) wrote to the councillors,” the foundation posted on social media.
“Without all of your actions, we’d be once again facing the slow demise of the Bells Beach.”
