Break wall planned for Torquay
Surfing to lose another valuable break

The Surfrider Foundation has slammed plans to build a rock wall at Fisherman's Beach in Torquay saying the proposed project will destroy a popular surf break.

"Fishos" is a unique sand bottom point break that works on big swells and SW winds, and it is the place to surf when the whole coast is blown out.

It is particularly popular with local grommets who are not experienced enough to surf Torquay's famous reef breaks.

Surfing Fishos is considered a right of passage for young Torquay surfers.

"When you speak to older surfers, they regularly recall surfing Fishos during their grommet days. Not only is the wave unique, it also has cultural significance in a town built on surfing" said Iain Lygo President of the Surf Coast Surfrider Foundation.

Surfrider are concerned a break wall will have a devastating effect on Torquay's beaches north of Point Danger.

"Every time break walls are built there are major consequences to our coastal environment. The planned break wall will destroy Fishos and have a major impact on Torquay Front Beach and White's Beach," said Mr Lygo.

The proposed site of the break wall has significant sand banks and the Surfrider Foundation is concerned that a break wall will prevent natural sand movements.

"When walls are built into the ocean and natural sand flows are interrupted, you see beaches disappear while others get huge build ups. These proposals always create erosion problems which are difficult and expensive to fix," said Mr Lygo.

The Surfrider Foundation is concerned that ratepayers will be forced to pay for the environmental damage caused by the rock wall, and ongoing dredging costs will need to be paid for by those who don't use the facility.

The Surfrider Foundation is also trying to stop a break wall at Bastion Point in Mallacoota.

"If both these break walls are built we will see two surf spots destroyed forever, because the boating fraternity want to change the coastline solely for their own benefit. Why should boat owners have more rights than surfers?" said Mr Lygo.

Surfrider are drawing a line in the sand on this issue.

"Surfrider are also concerned that the proposal will see more fishing craft going out to sea in marginal weather and surf conditions.

"The project is environmentally and culturally inappropriate. It will have negative consequences when it comes to boating safety, and the ratepayers will be paying for something they don't want and won't use," said Mr Lygo.

For more information please call Iain Lygo 0437 745 874 or John Foss 0408 386 812. Iain can also be emailed at iainlygo@yahoo.com