Mayor Welcomes Boost In Rip Curl Pro Security, Fencing

Written by Administrator

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Dean Webster has welcomed Rip Curl Pro organisers’ review of security and fencing arrangements for the event after record numbers attended the event at Bells Beach this year.

More than 30,000 people attended the Rip Curl Pro this year, taking advantage of the best weather and surf the event has had in many years.

Cr Webster said the event was a resounding success, but welcomed moves to further strengthen security and fencing.

“The 50th Rip Curl Pro was a fantastic celebration that shows the event’s continuing progression,” Cr Webster said.

“Council and the event organisers have worked together over many years to develop a system that respects the environment and this is always reviewed after each event to ensure we keep improving. We acknowledge the organisers’ immediate and responsive action to this year’s crowds and welcome their moves to review fencing and security to help prevent people moving beyond fenced areas in future.”

Surfing Victoria Executive Director, Max Wells, said while he was pleased with the event, organisers were disappointed with a small minority of patrons walking over fenced areas.

“We will be taking more measures to minimise the risk of this happening in future,” Mr Wells said.

Cr Webster also welcomed Rip Curl and Surfing Victoria’s donation of proceeds from the 50th Rip Curl Pro to the maintenance of the Bells Beach Reserve.

“We are now at the point where there is a really positive partnership between the Rip Curl Pro organisers, Council and other interested parties that is helping to preserve Bells,” Cr Webster said.

“The organisers quickly identifying security and fencing issues as areas to be addressed for next year’s event shows the strength of that partnership and the commitment of all involved in the Rip Curl Pro to helping protect Bells.

“Council places fencing in the reserve for good reason, especially around cliffs and important vegetation. We, along with users of the reserve, expect that people would stay out of fenced areas.”