Formed in 1996, we became known for our public rallies over ocean outfalls (sewage) at Black Rock (13th Beach) and Lorne on the Great Ocean Road that sometimes saw over 100 people and generated national media attention. Major revegetation projects at Voss’s Carpark (Torquay) and Point Impossible (Torquay) plus regular beach clean ups along the Surf Coast also made up our early branch activities. We are all about protecting and preserving the ocean and natural environment for future generations to enjoy.
We have been a part of the Bells Beach Advisory Committee since 1999 advising the Surf Coast Shire on better ways to manage the reserve. Bells holds much cultural, environmental and surfing value, and has been under threat from high visitation numbers, a push for a third car-park and more infrastructure, which would ultimately max out the reserve. More recently we have been very active in protecting the iconic Bells Beach from development, as part of the nationwide Endangered Waves campaign. In 2012 we launched the petition: “Love Bells Beach” and designed, printed and distributed postcards and the Bells Beach Times newsletter with SANE, BBPS and members of Torquay Boardriders Club. We collected over 2,600 signatures (including some big names in surfing), which resulted in a major turning point in Council decisions. We also continue to collaborate and campaign with local community groups on our shared vision for the “Bells Beach Surfing Sanctuary”.
Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch continues to educate and inform the public about important coastal issues through our Facebook page, Twitter account and regular talks to school groups on the Surf Coast. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the Torquay Pub. Contact us on 0408 386 812 for more info, email [email protected] Get Social : FACEBOOK
FIGHT FOR THE BIGHT
Surfrider Surfcoast led the charge with three of the biggest Surfrider Paddle Out Events throughout 2019 in support of the #fightforthebight movement. The event held on Easter Saturday, was the biggest event in 2019 with 4,000 surfers and ocean friends in what was a major show of community opposition to the proposal of off-shore oil drilling in the Great Australian Bight. This event had global support from the WSL with tour athletes and officials attending the paddle out on a lay day for the Ripcurl Pro Bells Beach.