Bellarine Times
Tuesday 1 February 2011
VOL 4. No 5
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
FREE WEEKLY
BEACH DEBATE
Barwon Heads resident Ross Harrison says Barwon Coast’s proposed track development at 13th Beach is to the detriment of the rugged coastline.
BY ELEANOR WOODS DEVELOPMENT at 13th Beach has sparked controversy about whether or not the iconic beach should be left in its current natural state or altered to increase safer public access. Barwon Coast has proposed three new bike and pedestrian access tracks through dunes in an effort to make the area safer. Some residents and beach users are fighting the changes, saying 13th Beach should be left as is, but Barwon Coast general manager, Bob Jordan, said the proposed tracks are necessary to keep beach access safe for all users. “We have a lot of young people riding their bikes along that road and the proposal doesn’t make any
Surf Forecast
changes to the natural environment. Our priority is to give all people safe access to the beach,” he said. “We encourage as many people as possible to give their feedback on the proposal so we know what people are thinking.” The tracks would run from Barwon Heads Surf Life Saving Club to Signpost Beach car park; from Stephens Parade to Signpost Beach car park; and from Stephens Parade to Beacon Beach car park. Barwon Heads surfer and business owner Ross Harrison argues that any development at 13th Beach is to the detriment of “one of the last raw and natural beaches along the coast”. “I see 13th Beach as a wild part of Victoria’s coastline that has many different moods. It’s a dynamic beach that is always evolving. Who are we
to try and control or conform nature?” Harrison said. He suggested the beach be closed from Black Rock and be made a nature park with 40km/hr road access from Barwon Heads. “It’s a wild idea that would take a lot of getting used to. But I think we need to change the way we use our beaches. That road is not a highway, but it is becoming one,” he said. “The road could remain open for cyclists and be much safer for everyone. People use that road as a highway and it’s only going to get busier and busier.” Barwon Coast’s Jordan doubted the coast management committee would consider the idea. The speed limit on the most heavily used stretch of 13th Beach Road was recently changed from
80km to 60km year-round to reduce danger. “I think this is a wonderful step forward,” Jordan said. Harrison agreed the reduced speed limit was positive but remained passionate that any development that interfered with the beach’s natural environment should not go ahead. “I just don’t want to see the footprint we are having on 13th Beach to increase. This development isn’t going to benefit the beach,” he said. The 13th Beach Trail Alignment Draught Plan is available online, to view it visit www.barwoncoast. com.au People are invited to send their submissions to Barwon Coast c/o Barwon Heads Post Office, VIC 3227, by February 11.
WED 1-2ft+ easing E/SE 28° THU 1-2ft+ building S 22° FRI 2ft building E 24° SAT 2ft average SW 20°
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