Surf Coast Shire has welcomed a $50,000 donation of proceeds from this year’s Rip Curl Pro to the ongoing maintenance of the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve as well as commitments to improve fencing during future events.
The announcement of Rip Curl and Surfing Victoria providing $50,000 from 50th Rip Curl Pro’s proceeds came as Council continued discussions about measures to further protect vegetation and sensitive areas of the reserve during events.
Aside from undertakings from Rip Curl Pro organisers that more temporary fencing will be provided in future at the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve during events, Council will also be renewing permanent fencing at the reserve this year.
The fencing will focus on better protecting heath land and erosion-prone cliff areas.
Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Dean Webster, said the outcome of the 50th Rip Curl Pro would continue improvements to the management of the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve.
“Since Council’s adoption of the Bells Beach Coastal Management Plan in September 2010, we’ve moved to address a number of important issues at Bells; including projects to connect toilets at the reserve to the sewer system,” Cr Webster said.
“These projects are vital to ensure Bells is protected from pressures associated with people using the reserve.”
Cr Webster said Council would work with the newly formed Bells Beach Advisory Committee and DSE in determining immediate priority works that could be completed with the $50,000 donation from this year’s Rip Curl Pro.
“It’s great to see Surfing Victoria and Rip Curl taking this measure to put back into the reserve,” Cr Webster said.
source: Surf Coast Shire media release
Links
- Surf Coast Shire website: www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au
- Surfing Victoria website: www.surfingaustralia.com/vic
- Rip Curl website: www.ripcurl.com.au
