Bells Beach panorama by Nicholas Soames
Surf Coast Shire is undertaking a program of infrastructure upgrades at Bells Beach to address natural erosion and improve wastewater management.
Repairs and upgrade to the drainage outfall will soon commence to reduce the environmental impact from stormwater flowing through the reserve to the beach.
In December 2010, Council also installed two litter baskets in the stormwater system to trap litter and Council has also secured Victorian Government funding to help connect toilets at the reserve to the sewer system. Tenders for these works will be sought shortly after close consultation with Aboriginal parties to ensure the works respect the site’s cultural heritage values.
Mayor, Cr Dean Webster said the works continued a program of upgrades Council has committed to that will help manage the impacts of increasing visitation to Bells Beach and to protect the reserve’s social, cultural and environmental values.
“Since the adoption of the Bells Beach Coastal Management Plan in September 2010, Council has acted on a number of enforcement issues at the reserve to address local community concerns about buses and campervans parking unsafely,” Cr Webster said.
“Our new ranger is developing a good relationship with the tour bus operators who are learning the importance of not parking in unsafe places or getting in the way of other users.
“Council has also issued 18 infringement notices over the summer to people found sleeping in cars contrary to local laws at Bells Beach.
“We have also been working to address high-priority wastewater and drainage infrastructure issues in the short term.
“The installing of litter baskets and measures now being completed to reduce erosion caused by stormwater flows are important in protecting the natural environment at Bells.”
source: Surf Coast Shire media release
