Surfers locked out

Bunbury surfers can no longer easily access the best breaks in town after a pedestrian access gate to the Outer Harbour groyne was locked by the Bunbury Port Authority.

Body boarder Lachlan McRobert said surfers and body boarders would meet to enjoy the conditions, which offered a variety of surf due to several breaking points in the ocean.

“That’s the best spot in the area,” Mr McRobert said.

“I would go there about twice a week, depending on the surf conditions.”

The gate has been locked since October 1, after a public notice published in the South Western Times on September 27, which said the reason for the closure was public safety and port security due to major demolition work.

Bunbury Port Authority chief executive Kevin Schellack said the port authority had not closed or restricted the use of any beaches in the area.

The public could still access the area but could not travel through their land to do so.

Mr Schellack said public access would remain permanently closed due to future operations and maintenance.

However, the methanol tanks at the Outer Harbour will stay until their lease expires in December 2018 when a decision will be made on any relocation.

This is despite the port confirming reports of a small fire being lit there between the breakwater rock and the brick wall behind the Dynea lease.

Mr Schellack said the port authority had erected signs on September 28 at the access point and in the port’s administration office window advising of the upcoming closure.

Mr McRobert said most of the surfers did not see the notice and would have liked more warning to ask more questions about the closure.

The entire area in the Outer Harbour above the high water mark is under the jurisdiction of the Bunbury Port Authority, including the The Outer Harbour access road to the groyne surf beach is now closed to surfers. beach area.