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BUCKETS & BOUQUETS PAGE 12
NEW INSPECTOR TURNS HEAT ON PARENTS PAGE 3
‘Pro-tecting’ Bells BY CHERIE DONNELLAN NEW SET-UP processes will reduce the Rip Curl Pro’s impact on Bells Beach this year, according to organisers. Surfing Victoria executive director Max Wells said both surfers and environmentalists were happy with the changes. Surfing Victoria and Rip Curl had cut a week from construction and deconstruction time to reduce environmental impacts, he said. “We’ve done quite a bit of community consultation in the last year to improve the event. “We were worried about the time constraints but we’re committing ourselves to the local community.” Mr Wells said Surfing Victoria had also erected fencing to protect Winki Pop heathlands from damage during the 12day event. Spectators invaded the heathlands at last year’s event, prompting environmental and safety concerns. Rip Curl Pro event manager Brooke Farris said environmental protection was a major focus. “We remain deeply invested in the welfare of Bells and work closely with the shire, local community groups and concerned citizens to ensure that together we nurture this surfing reserve for many years to come.” Mr Wells said Surfing Victoria and Rip Curl would continue their commitment to “give the reserve back in a cleaner way than when we received it”.
Chiming: Surfers charge into big Bells. The organisers donated $50,000 to Bells Beach Surfing Reserve after last year’s event. Ms Farris said she hoped the money would go toward a new management plan for Bells. Controversy has surrounded the plan, with surfers and community groups fearing
Picture: Tommy Ritchie 67379
it will turn the reserve into a “theme park”. Rip Curl Pro organisers were this week hoping fine weather would help draw large crowds. Ms Farris expected over one million viewers to watch an online broadcast of the contest. Reigning champions Joel Parkinson
and Sally Fitzgibbons would return to defend their titles. Ms Farris said Rip Curl would bring back its “wall of fame” to the event car park “as a homage to the world’s longest running professional surfing event and champions of the past 50 years”. The Rip Curl Pro is now in its 51st year.
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VCAT yes to Views homes A 60-LOT residential development at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road has won approval at Victoria’s planning tribunal. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approved the 5.2-hectare expansion of Torquay’s Great Ocean Views Estate after Surf Coast’s council failed to make a decision on the project. The expansion will develop land south-east of the estate down to the beginning of the ocean road opposite RACV’s Torquay Golf Club. Developer Great Ocean Views has previously outlined plans for the 5.3ha site to also include a tourist accommodation facility. The Independent reported in 2011 that residents feared the development would block their views, slashing up to $150,000 from their property values. Objector Andrew Holding and 21 other residents said bought into the estate on the understanding they would never lose their views. Barry McDonald said his house was designed so he could see the ocean after a surfing accident confined him to a wheelchair a decade ago. Mr McDonald feared losing privacy to new neighbours in the expansion area, with the rear of his home mostly glass. Alterations would cost thousands of dollars, he said. The tribunal approved the plans with conditions. The developer must detail changes to road and fencing plans and provide a salinity assessment before proceeding with the subdivision.
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