Winki protected from viewing platform plan

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a viewing platform at Winki Pop have been blocked by Surf Coast Shire Council.

Councillors voiced concerns with the proposal and discussed the importance of protecting the environment at their June meeting before Surf Coast Shire Council’s unanimous vote opposing a permanent platform and elevated walkway replacing the old concrete path to the lookout.

As the current land manager of the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve, council was required to prepare a Coastal and Marine Management Plan and submit to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which it had and was approved by DELWP and gazetted on April 29.

A report to council explained the management plan stated “in terms of the elevated pathway, no decision on a permanent elevated structure can be taken until a trial process has occurred and the required statutory approvals obtained”.

Council will not undertake the trial having passed the Notice of Motion that it did not support the platform and walkway.

Cr Liz Pattison told the virtual audience watching the meeting that council had “showed the community that we listen”.

“Our community values our natural environment; the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve needs to be preserved in its natural state,” she said.

Cr Pattinson said the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve was also a national and international icon, heritage listed and a culturally important place for the Wadawurrung People.

Cr Mike Bodsworth said he believed the proposal’s risk assessment was flawed and he raised concerns with the “danger of Bells being shaped to fit surfing competitions rather than surfing competitions being shaped to fit Bells”.

Cr Kate Gazzard said it was also important the council supported the Surfrider Foundation and opposed the plan.

“Bells is a truly magical place … it’s important we keep it in its natural state,” she said.