Tubing One Day, Terminated The Next

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