Monday, 15 June 2009 00:00
Bye bye Bastion barrels.
Bastion Point in Victoria’s southeast will turn from a freight train right hander, into a calm, mellow cruising zone for boats to access the ocean. Today planning minister Justin Madden, released his assessment of the Panel Report, which will allow the council to design and construct a breakwall and boat ramp. The 138 meter long breakwall will be laid halfway up the point, effectively cutting the ride in half. Imagine that, you’re gunning through a barrel, only to go smack bang into a breakwall. Along with the wall will come a two-lane boat ramp, large concrete turning apron on the beach and a road either carved through the headland (and indigenous cultural heritage sites) or along the beach.
Mr Madden said the Brumby Labour Government was taking the action to support safe commercial, fishing and recreational boating needs.
“There is currently a dangerous mix of swimmers, beach users and boating traffic in a confined area of water at the boat ramp location and this is not acceptable,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Madden also said boat access to the ocean was an important requirement for Mallacoota given the emerging growth in marine tourism, the existing commercial fishery and increasing recreational boating demands.
Mr Madden ignored advice from within the Government and has gone against the wishes of the majority of the community.
The Panel concluded that the proposal offered no significant societal or economic benefit, and that an upgrade of the existing facility was their preferred alternative.
He also failed to mention anything about the wave, which is the lifeblood of Mallacoota. It’s the only break within a 100 kilometre radius which works in large swells and strong south west winds. Mallacoota has more people who take part in surfing in its town, than any other sport, so the effect on the local community will be devastated. It’s the only break in Mallacoota the local kids can walk to, so this will be a huge loss for the local grommets.
Along with the death of a point break, Mallacoota will also have the eyesore of a 2.8-meter high breakwall protruding out of the ocean, the introduction of a sand bypassing system (which local tax payers will pay for) and removal of large sections of the natural reef system. This smells like a huge recipe for disaster.
People frequenting Mallacoota over holiday periods do so for the tranquillity of the town set in a natural environment. This beauty and value of Mallacoota is set to change and one can only wonder how local tourism will suffer. A quality surf break is an invaluable social and economic asset to any town and should not be sacrificed at any cost.
The Inquiry Panel report will be published at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning
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1. destroy a major eastern Victorian pointbreak and all the tourism that goes with it (I'm not local but holiday there with friends simply to surf Bastion); yes and we're talking valuable winter tourism here too, as we all know everyone's boats spend the winter in the shed.
2. give open ocean access to all the boating fraternity who will see this as a "safe" ticket to the open ocean and hideous conditions of Bass Strait - a surefire recipe for disaster and litigation of the council for giving them access - I can just see all the fishos sinking beers in their 12-14 foot tinnys out there right now getting smashed by a sudden south westerly change - happens all the time here around Yarram.
I sincerely hope the Coast Guard will see a major increase in funding if this ridiculous plan goes ahead.
As for myself and my mates (and hundreds of other Sth Coast or Melbourne based surfers), we'll just keep driving to Eden, Pambula and Merimbula to spend our hard earned cash instead and surf their unspoiled points.
Nothing like a ill informed minister which has been powerfully lobbied by industry and local council for vested interests rather than the environment
Regards Piss off Longboarder.
Build the new boatramp in the existing natural harbour which will not destroy our surf break.
He has got to go.
Out here we are calling him to be sacked because of his links to corruption in our council.
His electoral officer has been named in the ombudsmans report for undue influence on funding allocations where council money and resources was used to feather the guys branchstacking practices.
Madden was also the first minister to receive a "no confidence motion" in the upper house a fortnight ago for purportedly lying to Parliament.
Its all been in the papers and news so dear editor you can leave this on.
Madden and brumbies new policies announced this month here in the West of Melbourne see thousands of hectares of rare grasslands destroyed and turned over to developers to turn into a concrete traffic nightmare.
Madden has turned to the dark side and is in the process of rabidly destroying our state.
He must get the sack ASAP, not only for the no confidence and corruption allegations, but before there is nothing left.
What a dud; let everyone know so it can end now.
And fight people, fight for your rights, if you fight long hard and strong you will win. Get the numbers up.
Let all the f@&** boaters drown for all I care! Why can't they go to Lakes Entrance or Eden if they want a boat ramp. Leave our waves alone!
If you need a hand with a protest, molatov cocktails or anything let me know at ferdinand@surf.co.nz
This has just f****d my day
Piss off politicians and leave our surf alone.