Still Standing For Bells!

Dear Fellow Lovers of Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve, With profound disappointment and disbelief we sadly inform you that Anthony Liston, Chairperson for the VCAT hearing, has made the decision to grant the Landowners of 130 Bells Road, Bells Beach, a permit to develop tourist accommodation and build a new dwelling directly within the hinterland/view shed of the iconic Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve. The decision as delivered in the VCAT Order is below: Permit granted 3 In application P877/2016 the decision of the responsible authority is set aside. [Surf Coast Shire is the “responsible authority” and their decision to NOT grant the permit “is set aside”] 4 In planning permit application 15/0295 a permit is granted and directed to be issued for the land at 130 Bells Road, Bells Beach in accordance with the endorsed plans and the conditions set out in Appendix A. The permit allows: (a) the construction of buildings and the construction and carrying out of works; (b) the use of the land for the purposes of group accommodation and dwelling; (c) the removal and lopping of native vegetation. To read the complete VCAT Order, including the conditions set out in Appendix A, please go to: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2016/2107.html We are currently assessing our options, which include: 1. Appeal to the State Planning Minister to withdraw the VCAT Order 2. Challenge the VCAT Order in the Supreme Court - deadline to submit challenge is 9 January 2017 What You CAN DO 1. Write to the Victorian Planning Minister Hon Richard Wynne at richard.wynne@parliament.vic.gov.au and ask him to withdraw the VCAT Order 2. If you have the professional qualifications and expertise to review the VCAT Order for challenge in the Supreme Court please contact us via our Facebook Page or the Surfrider Foundation Australia website: https://www.facebook.com/SurfriderFoundationSurfCoast/ http://www.surfrider.org.au/surf_coast This is still Bells’ Last Stand and we’re all still standing! And by continuing to stand together and standing firm we can save Bells Beach from commercial/tourist development and achieve true, legislated protection for Bells Beach and surrounds in perpetuity. With oceans of gratitude Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch wish to thank every single one of you - all 33,000+ divine souls who signed our Bells’ Last Stand petition - your signature and voice is making a difference so please continue to Like, Share and voice your Love for Bells! Many thanks to all who Liked and Shared the petition on social media and other platforms/networks, to the surfing and mainstream media who publicized our plight, to community members and groups who made submissions opposing the development, to Surf Coast Shire for supporting local community position to deny the development at both Council and the VCAT hearing, and to Surfrider Foundation Australia who work passionately and tirelessly to support local Surfrider Branches and members who campaign on the front line for the care and protection of our magical oceans, waves and beaches