An Update On The Bells Beach Development Saga

Whether you’re a fan of the Bells Bowl or not, you can’t deny it’s an iconic surfing location and one with a surplus of surf history – such as being host to the longest running CT stop on tour since ’73. 

In a move to continue the protection of the Bells Beach locale, the Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted amendment ‘C121’, which will implement stringent planning controls in order to protect the blessed Bells Beach and surrounding areas. The council is now seeking further endorsement for C121 from the Victorian Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne.

This amendment will fall under the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve Coastal Management Plan.

“The Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve is an iconic location, with significant environmental, cultural and scenic values…the undeveloped backdrop is a quintessential part of what makes Bells Beach such a special place,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor, David Bell talking about the Victorian region.

At the beginning of 2017 a site was granted approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the development of tourist accommodation. A plan which was controversial and garnered opposition from locals, surfers and the Surf Coast Shire council itself. The Surfrider Foundation Australia started a petition against the plans, which reeled in more than 33’000 signatures against the accommodation development.

The recent C121 amendment aims to stifle developments like the tourist accommodation from taking place in the future, or at least ensure that when inevitable future developments do occur, they will not obstruct or in any way damage the Bells Beach Reserve.

While there’s always rumours floating around about the future of the Bells Beach Pro, at least we can be sure that the coastal area itself is under no immediate threat; allowing future generations of surfers and locals to bask in scenes such as this one below.

No caption necessary.