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Vision statement:
The vision statement below for the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserved was developed in consultation with and endorsed by the Council.
"Bells Beach is unlike anywhere else in the world, it is a unique part of the Australian coastline and has a special place in surfing culture. The Surf Coast community acknowledges the importance of Bells Beach and seeks to protect and enhance the reserve’s natural assets and those of the surrounding hinterland."
Bells Beach Reserve, including the surf breaks of Bells Beach and Winki Pop, is an internationally renowned surfing icon and the spiritual home of Australian surfing. It is considered one of the premier surf beaches in the world. It is classified by the National Trust as an International Icon of Australian surfing culture and listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR
H2032) for its significance socially and historically to the state of Victoria.
Bells Beach is the location of the longest running surfing competition in the world. The reserve consists of two land parcels, one freehold land the other crown land which was originally proclaimed on 6 June 1973 of which Surf Coast Shire is the land manager. Two Torquay board riders held the first Bells Beach Surfing Championships event in January 1961. In 1973 the event became Australia’s first professional surfing competition and in 1976 the Rip Curl Pro became an international surfing event as part of the World Championship Tour (WCT). It is the longest running WCT event, held annually at Bells Beach over Easter attracting up to 30,000 people
BELLS BEACH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The BBAC advises Council on matters concerning the management, operation and improvement of the Bells Beach Reserve. It consists of representatives from the following groups and organisations:
Community
- Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE)
- Surfrider Foundation
- Torquay Boardriders Association
- Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative
- Up to five Community Representatives
Surfing Industry/Events
- Surfing Victoria/Rip Curl Management
Government Bodies
- Surf Coast Shire Councillor (Chair)
- Surf Coast Shire Representatives – Environment Planning & Emergency Management Unit
- Department of Sustainability and Environment
- Parks Victoria
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BELLS BEACH TO WINKI POP MASTERPLAN
Surf Coast Shire initiated the development of the Bells Beach/Winki Pop Master Plan in May 2001, the Plan was endorsed by Council in 2004. The Master Plan has now been in place for over five years, and has seen many elements implemented over this time often with collaboration from Community Groups and the Surfing Industry.
The site has seen an increase in visitation which has brought with it many other challenges for the site. Therefore, Council Officers and the Bells Beach Advisory Committee have recommended that a review be undertaken of the Master Plan. This will enable the Shire to map the way forward for the reserve and to manage these pressures, maintain a balance and protect the values of the reserve. It is proposed this review will be undertaken in 2009-2010 with the main aim being:
- To develop an integrated management system that is consistent with a long term vision recognising the social, cultural, environmental and economic values for the reserve. The integrated management plan will include the following:
- a Master Plan which includes all the land within the reserve
- a three year business plan describing proposed works for the area – including annual action plans for each of the three years
Community Consultation will form part of the scope of works for this project and regular updates will be provided through the Surf Coast Shire website.
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BELLS BEACH EVENTS POLICY
To view a copy of the Bells Beach
Events Policy, please click
here.
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