Bells ramp put to panel

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a 60m-long timber walkway along Bells Beach have been referred to a state government panel to assess.

The move comes after the proposal for the structure drew concerns from surfers that it would destroy the iconic surfing spot.

The project seeks to replace an existing concrete path with a permanent multifunctional elevated timber walkway and viewing platform overlooking the surf break at Winkipop.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio referred the matter to the Great Ocean Road Region Standing Advisory Committee (GORRSAC) in August.

The Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast branch said referral to the panel would result in “more unnecessary expense”.

“This is a state government panel set up to assess significant, or shall we say in this case outrageous, issues affecting the Great Ocean Road,” it said.

“The fact this overdevelopment of Bells has gotten this far is emblematic of the mismanagement of Bells Beach over the last couple of decades.”

The Surf Coast Shire has undertaken multiple public consultations on the structure, including on-site surveys in 2018 and 2019, which drew a combined 880 responses.

In 2018, the majority were in favour of, or felt neutral towards the structure, while the majority of responses in the 2019 survey – which included a design concept – were not.

Key concerns included the need for the structure, its proposed design and permanency, and its visual intrusion, and potential damage to the natural environment.

Further consultation and the installation of a temporary walkway, with similar dimensions to the permanent structure, was planned to take place at this year’s Rip Curl Pro surf event, but did not proceed due to its cancellation.

The proposed infrastructure was important to the ongoing viability of the Rip Curl Pro, and would help improve the experience for visitors and regular users, a previous council officers report said.

The council said it would await the minister’s decision, once she has considered GORRSAC’s advice.

“Council officers have accepted GORRSAC’s invitation to participate in their review of this matter,” the council said.

The panel is set to hear submissions from key stakeholders between September 18 and October 2, with the outcome of the review to be finalised by Ms D’Ambrosio after October.