A Brumby Labor Government today committed $300,000 towards a Coastal Management Plan to further protect the natural environment of the world famous Bells Beach.
State Member and Labor candidate for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield, said the Brumby Labor Government would provide the funding to the Surf Coast Shire under the Sustainable Small Towns grants scheme.
“The Coastal Management Plan, developed in partnership with the community, will involve the construction of improved amenities which will have minimal environmental impact from visitation,” Mr Crutchfield said. “Bells Beach is an iconic and leading surfing destination with the longest running professional surfing competition in the world.
“It is vital that this iconic site be improved to meet the needs of current and future residents and visitors while maintaining its natural beauty that makes it such a celebrated surf spot.”
The project includes:
- upgrading the existing septic system with connection to the sewer main;
- upgrading the existing toilet block and surrounds; and
- construction of a second environmentally sensitive toilet/change facility in the vicinity of the Winki Pop car park.
Mr Crutchfield said Bells Beach was home to the Rip Curl Pro which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 and the Bells Beach Reserve site attracts an estimated one million visitors per year.
“The new infrastructure and improved facilities will allow the reserve to respond and adapt to increased visitation whilst protecting the fragile environment.”
The Surf Coast Shire Council will provide the balance of the $600,000 project.
The $300,000 grant for the Bells Beach Reserve Coastal Management Plan is consistent with the Bells Beach Surf Recreation Master Plan and builds on the Government’s existing commitment to fund the upgrade of the Surf Coast Walk.
“The program builds on the work of our Small Towns Development Fund by helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“Ready for Tomorrow is a $631 million strategic investment by our Government to drive a new era of opportunity and prosperity in regional Victoria. Other initiatives in our blueprint include boosting tourism, supporting greater access to tertiary education opportunities, and more money to build job-creating infrastructure in regional Victoria.”
Source: Labor candidate for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield media release
South Barwon Election Links
Victorian Labor Party website: www.alpvictoria.com.au
- Parliament of Victoria South Barwon Member, Michael Crutchfield (Labor): www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/id/1587
- Labor Party website: www.vic.alp.org.au/alp-victoria-people/electorate-search/michael-crutchfield/
- Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Crutchfield
Victorian Liberal: www.liberalvictoria.org.au
- Candidate for South Barwon, Andrew Katos: www.liberalvictoria.org.au/guest/PeopleDetails.aspx?PeopleID=93
- Vic Liberal website: www.vic.liberal.org.au/People/StateLowerHouseCandidates/AndrewKatos/tabid/225/Default.aspx
- City of Greater Geelong Councillor, Andrew Katos: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/council/councillor/item/AndrewKatos.aspx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/I-support-Andrew-Katos-for-South-Barwon/297161751379
Victorian Greens: vic.greens.org.au
- Candidate for South Barwon, Simon Northeast: vic.greens.org.au/southbarwon
- Surf Coast Councillor, Simon Northeast: www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/councillors.htm
- Surf Coast Greens website: www.greensurfcoast.com.au
- Twitter, Simon Northeast: twitter.com/SimonNortheast
