A decision to ban nude bathing at a Werribee South beach has led to Wyndham council and state Planning Minister Richard Wynne being labelled “wowsers”.
Mr Wynne announced last week that he had approved a council request for the state government to revoke Campbells Cove’s optional clothing status.
His decision came after the council voted last July to inquire about banning nudists from the beach.
The council felt that urban growth in Werribee South and Point Cook meant the beach was no longer secluded.
It also felt that the beach should no longer be open to nudists given its rising popularity among families.
In approving the ban, which comes into affect on September 1, Mr Wynne said Campbells Cove had offered more privacy when it was declared an optional clothing beach in 1986.
He said his decision was in keeping with the concerns of the community, adding that there were other nude swimming options available at some private and commercial swimming centres in the area which provide appropriate seclusion.
“Wyndham is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country. Our laws need to keep pace with population growth,” Mr Wynne said.
But Australian Sex Party leader and Northern Metropolitan MP Fiona Patten lashed out at the decision, saying it was “political correctness gone mad”. “Mr Wynne’s assertion that the growing number of families moving into the area means bathers need to cover up is ridiculous,” she said.
“There’s nothing more beautiful and natural than the human body so what exactly is the minister trying to protect people from?
“The planning minister and Wyndham City Council are being wowsers, plain and simple.”
Ratepayers of Werribee South president Joe Garra said the ban was what residents wanted.
“Local residents have always been against [the beach],” he said. “We’ve received lots of anecdotal reports of families wandering down there by accident and being horrified.
“The area is getting bigger and this will open the beach up for families again.”
Wyndham council will be responsible for enforcing the new rule.
Mayor Peter Maynard said the council was pleased the government had supported its request.
“The clothing-optional status means there is less foreshore area available to the general public,” he said.
Victoria has three other clothing-optional beaches: Sunnyside North beach at Mount Eliza and Point Impossible beach and Southside beach near Torquay.
