Progress delayed on Bells walkway
SURF Coast Shire Council is set to delay consultation on a controversial 60m-long timber walkway proposed for Bells Beach.
The call comes after the World Surf League (WSL) decided to postpone next month’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
The shire confirmed last week the third round of community consultation for the project, initially set for April, would now proceed with the rescheduling of the Rip Curl Pro. The planned consultation comes after a council survey last year indicated a majority of respondents were against the proposal.
Surf Coast Surfrider Foundation secretary Darren Noyes-Brown previously said he was unsure why the council was being “so persistent” about the structure.
Mr Noyes-Brown said many people feared the proposal would threaten to degrade the natural environment of Bells Beach.
“It’s all a bit disappointing that they’re still proceeding with this,” he said.
“It seems to us they are going to keep pushing until they get the answer they want — they seem quite obsessed about building this structure.”
The permanent walkway would improve visitor experience and help Rip Curl Pro competitors and their coaches view the surf break, according to council.
The shire said the installation of a temporary structure with similar dimensions as the proposed timber walkway would now occur later to coincide with the consultation.
“The WSL will not be erecting the temporary walkway in March/April 2020 as originally planned,” it said. “If the Rip Curl Pro takes place later in 2020, the council resolution provides for the WSL to erect the temporary walkway at that time.”
The WSL hopes to kick of its 2020 championship tour in June.