No quick change to club event rules at Bells

QUESTIONS about surfing club access to breaks at Bells Beach could be unresolved for up to three years.

The issue was raised during commentary at a national club surfing competition earlier this month.

Long-time surfing writer Sean Doherty made reference to the permit issue while commentating on TV during a Torquay Boardriders Club heat on day 1 of the Australian Boardriders Battle final, held in Newcastle.

“A lot of the Victorians would be cheering them (Torquay) on, probably everyone except the Jan Juc boardriders.

“You know what it’s over? It’s getting to surf Bells at club events – because Torquay get to, and Juc don’t.

“Don’t bring it up around there, mate; it’s a touchy issue.”

In a video post on their Instagram page on February 5 showing Doherty’s comments, the Jan Juc Boardriders Club (JJBC) committee wrote “No one hates anyone (we do hate not being treated as equal to the other club in town)” but thanked Doherty for “bringing up a serious issue for the JJBC”.

“We just want a fair go, and for @surfcoastshire to grant us one reef permit a year (@torquayboardridersclub has four per year when you include Hells Bells) … we have a larger open membership and our crew deserve a day on the reefs.”

In response to questions from this newspaper, Surf Coast Shire acting general manager of environment and place making Brendan Walsh said the council adhered to its Events Policy when making surfing event management decisions.

“The policy – adopted in 2015 – restricts the number of surfing events that can be staged at Bells to nine, and restricts the organisations which are able to stage them.

“Torquay Boardriders Club is recognised as the home competitive surfing club for Bells, with the ability to stage three events in the reserve each year.

“Jan Juc Boardriders Club was formed after the Events Policy was adopted.

“The opportunity to review the Events Policy will arise either in 2025 when the current Coastal and Marine Management Plan for the reserve is reviewed, or when Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority takes over management of the reserve.”