Love Bells Beach

Declared the worlds first "Surfing Recreation Reserve" in 1973, Bells Beach is recognised worldwide as a sacred surfing sanctuary. The pilgrimage to Bells is as legendary as the corduroy lines and big sweeping walls that grace the famous Bells Bowl during big autumn and winter swells.
      Unfortunately Bells Beach is under serious threat from negative commercial impacts and development. Though Bells Reserve is public land, commercial coach/bus/mini bus tours are being allowed to freely use Bells Reserve and the Surf Coast Shire has now begun works to create parking spaces for 5 coach/long vehicles and around 10 parking spaces for 22 seater buses in Bells car park alone. Vegetation has been removed to allow commercial tour vehicle movement within the car park and there is great concern that the already identified pedestrian and vehicle traffic risks will increase.
      Additional works outlined in Surf Coast Shire's Bells Beach Coastal Management Plan and Masterplan (September 2010) include a designated parking area for 4-6 coaches in Winki car park, no parking areas to ensure coaches can enter/exit the car park, construction of a second toilet/change facility in Winki car park, concrete viewing platforms and photo/interpretation billboards. The loss of car parking space for recreational surfers and other non commercial visitors to Bells will be significant.
      The Surf Coast Shire are proceeding with works despite clear and Shire acknowledged local community opposition. If the works are not stopped now the pristine natural environment and sacred surfing resonance of Bells will be destroyed forever.
      Bells is a local and global surfing icon. The beautiful environment, ancient indigenous presence, rich surf culture and raw southern ocean swells collectively resonate deeply within the heart, mind and spirit of surfers and non surfers alike.               Now Bells needs your help. By signing this petition you are supporting the respectful call to Surf Coast Shire to immediately stop all current works, planned developments and proposals for Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve until a complete, transparent community review has been undertaken.
      Thank you for your time and support to save Bells Beach from negative commercial impacts and developments.