Friday, February 3, 2012
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Objections, state review for Bells bid but...
Plans ‘awarded’ BY ERIN PEARSON A CONTROVERSIAL plan to redevelop Bells Beach has won a state-wide design award. Australian Institute of Landscape Architects gave its Victoria planning award to the architects of the Bells Beach redevelopment for their “robust” project. The institute awarded Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture for its work despite
widespread objection among surfers to the redevelopment and a State Government review of the council plan for Australia’s first surfing reserve. Surf Coast Shire heard about the award at a meeting last week. “The landscape architects demonstrated care in addressing the needs and aspirations for an iconic coastal site that experiences infrequent heavy public use and witnesses excessive coastal exposure,” the institute said.
“The level and quality of documentation, site analysis appreciation and the use of scenarios to map and test potential impacts and user needs was excellent, resulting in an ecologically sensitive a master plan.” Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture’s Mark Frisby said Bells was one of the most “high profile” areas on which his firm had worked. “We had a lot of stakeholder engagement and extensive con-
sultation with residents.” Bells Beach Preservation Society’s Maurice Cole laughed when told of the award. He said members of a former Bells Beach community advisory committee that worked on the plan had withdrawn their support for the redevelopment. The Independent reported in March the preservation society feared the plan would turn the site into a “theme park” with surfing statues and more tourist
coaches. The concerns prompted South Barwon MP Andrew Katos to call a meeting with stakeholders, including members of the society and environmental groups. He later announced a State Government review of the proposed redevelopment. “We’ve got to make sure some tourism is permitted but also (in) a balance with everyday users,” he said.
ICON CLOSES IN A ‘FLOOD’ PAGE 2
Lessons surge as cash splashed on swimming skills BY ERIN PEARSON HALF-price swimming lessons have created a surge in swimming lessons on the Surf Coast, according to new enrolment figures. Learn-to-swim body VICSWIM said that enrolments at Torquay had jumped from 143 in 2010 to 263 this year following a Baillieu Government cash injection of $1.6 million. The funding brought VICSWIM weekly costs down from $57 to $25 per child. VICSWIM regional coordinator Gillian Cooper said the price cut meant the organisation’s classes were often cheaper than traditional lessons. Parents also had the option of beach or pool training, Ms Cooper said . A drowning on the Surf Coast this summer highlighted the importance of children and adults learning how to swim, she said. Dallas mother Demet Latifoglu died on January 22 while trying to rescue children from a rip at Urquhart Bluff, between Anglesea and Airey’s Inlet. Ms Cooper said Torquay ran a beach-based program at Cosy Corner to teach children about ocean safety, floating and how to identify rips. “VICSWIM is all about making kids knowledgeable about water and often we find they can then pass what they learn onto their family,” Ms Cooper said. “With all the drownings and rescues we see it’s so import to educate kids. “They can then say to their parents ‘We don’t want to swim here, we need a patrolled beach’.” Ms Cooper said enrolments in Anglesea and Ocean Grove had also increased. Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the ability to swim was an essential safety skill, particularly during summer when children were more inclined to play in and around water. “Through the VICSWIM program kids not only learn important survival skills but they also have the chance to make new friends as well as boost their health by being more active more often,” he said. A lack of State Government funding prevented VICSWIM programs in 2011.
‘I’LL SKATE NULLARBOR’ PAGE 7
Making a splash: Ross Cuthbertson helps Millie, 2, and Fletcher, 4, learn swimming skills at Cosy Corner. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 76360
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