GT Alliance

19/08/2026

Spring Creek Land Rezoned Back to Farming Zone!

Yesterday, a line was drawn under the campaign to save the Spring Creek valley with Planning Minister Hon. Sonya Kilkenny announcing that the land west of Duffields Road has been re-zoned from Urban Growth Zone back to the Farming Zone that was previously in place.

We congratulate Surf Coast Environment Group for leading the charge to get the rezoning done before the state election, noting the DAL Statement of Planning Policy had been gazetted almost 4 years ago but landowners and community could have no certainty until the Urban Growth Zone could be rolled back. Make no mistake about how huge an achievement this has been for the community groups and thousands of individuals involved, ‘back planning’ such as this has only happened once or twice before in Victoria.

As noted by GTA committee member Chris Barr, in the second photo making a speech, this has been a long time coming with the campaign commencing in 2008 as she held up an image from the front page of the local paper of her 3 year old grandchild in a toy wagon at the 2009 red rally at Torquay Common – who is now 20 years old! Chris was one of a small handful of individuals who have been involved in this campaign all the way through and whose knowledge is invaluable.

As mentioned by Chris and Perry from SCEG, this achievement is a massive testament to all the community members who made submissions, attended rallies, events, hearings, council meetings, spread the word in all forms of media and out in the field, to our Damo Cole who ran strongly on this in the 2018 state election, all the business who hosted posters in their front windows and assisted with media, advertising and the sticker run and the individuals who donated funds and took part in the 7 week DAL hearing. Time after time when the chips were down, we were always heartened by the Torquay/Surf Coast community who came out strongly to push the bulldozers away. Hats off to you all!

30/03/2026

We had an overwhelming response last week to our social media post about the Spiderbait concert happening at Bells this afternoon.

And we received a number of messages advising us to contact the Minister for the Environment and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos MP.

The decision to allow this is tone deaf to community wishes and the management principles of the Bells reserve which are to, “Respect and protect the natural environment, Wadawurrung heritage and surfing culture of Bells”.

If you are wondering what you can do to help please write to the minister politely letting him know your thoughts and request this not be allowed to happen again.

Community groups such as Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment, Bells Beach Preservation Society and Surfrider along with many individuals and neighbors of the reserve along with the organisers of the first contests here in the 60’s and 70’s have put in decades of work revegetating the reserve and advocating against numerous attempts at over development of the Reserve. The reveg work has led to the re-emergence of the threatened Rufus Bristlebird at Bells and it is home to other threatened species such as the Anglesea Grey Gum, the Bellarine Yellow Gum and the swamp antechinus discovered here only 10 years ago.

A rock concert at Bells with a capacity of 3,000 people is highly inconsistent with all of this and we have seen how the WSL and its predecessors have difficulty managing crowds when the comp runs at Winki Pop (2011, 2017 & 2018) and at past rock concerts like Silverchair in 1995.

With a different type of crowd and no pre-selling of tickets, this is potentially a disaster waiting to happen with respect to trampling of vegetation, safety, traffic and noise.

We have nothing against the surf comp or the bands, but it’s pretty much unanimous; concerts like this should be held in a more appropriate location.

Who to write to;
Hon. Steve Dimopoulis, Minister for Environment and Major Events, [email protected]
World Surf League (Australia / Asia) [email protected]
Dept of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), [email protected].
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA), [email protected]

Image at front of video, crowds in sensitive heathland overlooking Winki Pop, RC Pro 2011, via Bells Beach Preservation Society.

25/03/2026

Protecting Bells… And A 3,000 Capacity Rock Concert?

How cool is it to have rock juggernauts Spiderbait and Wolfmother playing in Torquay on Tuesday!? But why does it have to be held at Bells Beach? We have nothing against the Rip Curl Pro, the concert or the bands but we are scratching our heads, how can the incredible environmental, cultural and scenic values of Bells be protected whilst running a 3,000 capacity rock concert in this heritage listed icon of the Surf Coast and the surfing world?

We would be fully supportive of the concert taking place at the Torquay Common which is central to town, proven to be a location that is successful and is an easier site to manage crowds. It allows concert goers to go to shops and spend in the town rather than at Bells stalls which may or may not be local businesses.

This concert was originally planned to be at Torquay Common, however, World Surf League changed it to being at Bells. There has been no consultation with the Bells Beach Advisory Committee, community groups or neighbors and there are concerns about environment, traffic, litter, safety and noise. The groups (SANE, Bells Beach Preservation Society and Surfrider) and individuals have spent decades revegetating the Reserve and successfully advocating against numerous over development proposals, resulting in the current Management Plan which generally says to ‘Leave Bells Alone’ and to respect and protect the above mentioned values.

There have been a few rock concerts at Bells which have not gone well, the last one in 1995 when Silverchair played, resulting in, “…..absolute mayhem... people were trampling through vegetation to get a good view of the band, climbing and hanging off trees and vegetation”. Caused by excessive crowds and a lack of crowd control.

As a result, past Bells Advisory Committee members remember discussions about not allowing concerts on site in future and that the permit that used to be provided by the Council was for a surf contest, not a music show.

More recently with the current fencing and security setup in 2017 and 2018 when the RC Pro was shifted from Bells to Winki Pop on the busy easter long weekend, spectators went over, around and through the fences trampling the sensitive heathland area above the Winki break to watch the action. It has been shown that crowd management at Bells is not effectively managed by the WSL.

In this day and age where so much emphasis is on environmental preservation, by running this concert on site the WSL seem out of touch and lacking respect for the special Bells environment and all the work done by the community to look after it. It also raises concerns about the land manager, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, shifting their priorities away from protecting the region’s coastal environment.

Rock concerts are not an approved use in the Bells Management Plan or the Bells Event Policy.

The concert is being advertised online, in newspapers and by a national ticketing company, however, pre booking a ticket is not possible. 3,000 people are expected, and many more could try to attend as tickets are only available AT THE EVENT. If the weather is good, we may have well in excess of 3,000 attempted attendees. What will happen if 6,000 show up for this free concert? Who will do traffic and spectator control along Bones Road, Bells Boulevard and other routes? There are other events happening at Bells earlier in the day so with event attendees already on site then concert goers trying to get into the Reserve, it could be chaos. How will parking be controlled?

At the very least, the concert tickets should be pre-sold. Or, at the only WSL surf contest on the circuit where spectators pay the WSL to enter, how about a gold coin donation to go to the community groups that have revegetated it and advocated really hard to protect it since the 1980’s?

A rock concert is an excellent way to celebrate 50 years of pro surfing, but it needs to be in an appropriate location. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly on Tuesday and any future music events like this are run at Torquay Common instead.

More info via Surf Coast Times https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/surfcoasttimes/news/australian-rock-legends-to-play-at-rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/

Image: Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch, 2018 RC Pro

02/05/2025

We are very happy to be advised by GORCAPA today that the Torquay Bowls Club has amended their plans such that vehicle access to the club for their third rink is no longer proposed through Taylor Park.

The use and development of crown land is not supported for the financial benefit of select groups. Any development on crown land needs to have a justified outcome for community and the environment. The bowls club expansion does not.

This is a significant win for Friends of Taylor Park Torquay Victoria Inc. who for decades have been custodians of the park. We were happy to assist them along with others such as the Tai Chi club, 3228 Residents Association, a member of the RSL, Jodie one of the original wildlife rescuers in Torquay and many other concerned citizens.

21/02/2025

Just letting everyone know about Surf Coast Shire Council’s next meeting on Tuesday 25th February where Councillors will vote on whether Australia Day celebrations should be re commenced. You can download the agenda and watch the meeting from 6pm via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Meetings.

Pic. Australia day thongs 2010

19/12/2024

We just received a very happy note from Cape Paterson in the east of the state, letting us know they won their Distinctive Area & Landscape (DAL) battle, and thanking us for helping and encouraging them.
People power is a super power!

Consultation opens Wednesday to confirm Cape Paterson town boundary THE people of Cape Paterson, led by the Cape Paterson Ratepayers and Residents Association celebrated Christmas early this week with the announcement that their town would not be...

07/10/2024

Election candidate survey responses from Martin Duke in the Torquay ward. Repost from Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?
A. No, I am running as an independent candidate focused on the wellbeing and sustainability of the Surf Coast community.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?
A. I will advocate for the people of the Surf Coast Shire, prioritizing the needs of our community (especially the youth and elderly), environmental preservation, and sustainable progress.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?
A. Yes, I strongly oppose seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin. Protecting our natural environment is essential to preserving the character and future of the Surf Coast.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?
A. Yes, I fully support proactive climate action, and I believe that local initiatives are key to addressing the challenges of climate change for future generations.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?
A. Yes, the Karaaf Wetlands are a precious ecosystem, and I support stronger protections to prevent damage from urban stormwater runoff.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?
A. Yes, integrating the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy into the planning scheme is crucial to ensuring sustainable and responsible development in our region.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy, and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong Creek?
A. Yes, I support a comprehensive impact assessment to ensure that future growth maintains the liveability and unique coastal character of Torquay while protecting our natural environment.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social, and environmental sustainability?
A. Absolutely. My focus is on creating a balanced future where the needs of our community are met while ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add?
A. I believe in responsible, community-focused leadership that truly listens to the people. I will work tirelessly to support the initiatives that our Surf Coast community deserves, with a focus on mental health, youth & seniors programs, and environmental protection.

06/10/2024

Kate Gazzard survey responses, reposted from Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch

Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?
The Australian Greens

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?
A. I will advocate for the community, acknowledging that some decisions are difficult and nuanced and not everyone will agree on everything. I will advocate for those without a voice including future generations, wildlife, waterways and oceans. I will advocate to ensure a viable, accountable council and thriving community.

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?
A. Yes. It was myself and Liz Pattison who moved the motion to oppose the 2021 offshore acreage release and all new oil and gas exploration, development and seismic testing in the Otway basin.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?
A. Yes, although there is still a lot more work to be done in helping the community wean our dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce carbon emissions throughout our shire. Key areas are a circular economy approach, diverting waste from landfill, transitioning away from coal and gas to renewable energy, and mitigating the risks of climate change on our local area.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?
A. Yes. The work done to restore salination of the Karaaf is a start, but we still have a long way to go to protect this beautiful area from the effects of development in north Torquay and to conserve the biodiversity and natural carbon sequestration of the wetland.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?
A. Yes. Through the Distinctive Area and Landscape program this is a vital policy to guide land use and development in the shire over the next 50 years, to protect our unique natural environment, town character and cultural and historical heritage

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?
A. Yes I support it but it needs to be done appropriately and purposefully, with clear outcome measures and an intention to act on the results.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?
A. Yes. My passion is in children’s health a planetary health, which are inextricably linked. We need to do better to preserve the precious resources of our planet, and in doing so make a cleaner and more sustainable future for everyone. I believe this includes First Nations reconciliation, social justice and environmental protection.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional. 50 words or less):
A. As a current councillor I hope to be re-elected to keep climate action and environmental leadership as council priorities. My preferences in Otway Range ward are Libby Stapleton and Mike Bodsworth. In Torquay I would vote for Phoebe Crockett and Liz Pattison, and in Winchelsea I would vote for Aleisja Henry and Rose Hodge.

05/10/2024

With the Surf Coast Council election coming up we have sent a survey to all candidates asking them questions about issues that matter to our members and supporters. To assist the community in deciding on who they wish to vote for we will publish the answers on our socials and some other community groups will be doing the same. We are pleased to have received responses from 12 of the 16 candidates.

This morning we have responses from Liz Pattison, a candidate in the Torquay ward;
Q1. Are you a part of a political party? If so, which one?
A. No I am an independent candidate.

Q2. If elected, will you advocate for Council, any party you are a member of or the Surf Coast community?
A. I have and will continue to advocate for the needs of the Surf Coast community

Q3. Do you support council's current position opposing seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration in the Otway Basin?
A. Yes I support Council’s position opposing seismic blasting. I was one of the two Councillors that put this motion forward in 2021. As Mayor I also led regional advocacy against seismic blasting and exploration of the Otway Basin. Through this advocacy a letter was sent to the Prime Minister and signed by myself (Mayor at Surf Coast) and the Mayors of Warrnambool, Colac Otway, and Moyne Shire.

Q4. Do you support Council’s position on climate action?
A. Yes I support Council’s position on climate action.

Q5. Will you advocate for Council to take further action to protect the Karaaf Wetlands from the effects of urban stormwater runoff?
A. Yes I will support further action to protect the Karaaf wetlands. I have advocated at Canberra around the benefits of the collaboration between Surf Coast Shire and Barwon Waters for the alternative water grid which will use stormwater from Torquay ensuring the Karaaf wetlands can be restored.

Q6. Will you advocate for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy to be fully integrated into the planning scheme, with genuine and funded assistance by the state government?
A. Yes I have advocated for this during this term and I will continue to do so.

Q7. Do you support an impact assessment for Torquay, including carrying capacity accounting for liveability, coastal character, economy and environment, including impacts from Geelong and Armstrong creek?
A. It is important to understand the impact of broader tourism and growth in our region and the impact this has had and will continue to have on our environment, community and economy. This is important so that we can protect our natural environment and size our infrastructure and facilities accordingly.

Q8. Will you advocate for the well-being and interests of the community, including future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability?
A. Yes I will and I have advocated for the well-being and interests of the community during this term on Council.

Q9. Anything else you would like to add? (Optional).
A. I’m a mother of four, an engineer, a volunteer and a council leader. I’ve delivered as your Councillor and Mayor and want to continue to:
• protect our environment, advancing climate action, and reducing waste to landfill
• foster strong social connection through support for our Community grants and facilities
• improve accessibility for all through improved foot and bike paths
• Be mindful of cost-of-living pressures, ensuring efficient use of resources to continue to deliver excellent local government services.

Repost from Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch