Victoria

Spring Creek Development

A massive proposal for residential development west of Torquay was opposed by the Surf Coast Chapter (and thousands of other people) on the grounds it would have significant environmental and social impacts on local beaches including the iconic Bells Beach. In a victory for the local community on the 22nd of April the Surf Coast Shire voted to halt the development whilst putting in place a study to find out what a suitable sustainable level of population growth is appropriate for Torquay.

Rip Curl Pro

Rip Curl Pro – this years event was once again carbon neutral which was fantastic. The Surf Coast Branch shared a stall with Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment promoting environmental messages in the Winki car park. Things went well until Easter Tuesday when the event was moved from Bells Beach to Winki Pop resulting in a crowd surge through the reserve. Native vegetation was trampled and litter became a problem so there were some ‘lessons gained’ from that day for future events.

Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2009

The Surfrider Foundation was a finalist with the Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Coast Committee in the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence in recognition of the NO BUTTS – NO CUTS litter initiative. We didn’t end up winning but it was fantastic that the hard work of the Surf Coast Chapter to lobby for a ban on smoking at our beaches was recognised at the State level.

John Foss (President) Surf Coast Chapter

Surf Coast  (C)
John Foss 04 0838 6812
jfoss@ozemail.com.au

Meetings: First Wednesday of every month.