Proposals promote penguin power at Boulders Beach

AFTER marathon talks, revised proposals for the development of the famous Boulders Beach
penguin retreat at Simon's Town have been agreed.
Environmental consultant, Erica van den Honert, said the basic elements include the concentration of 'tourism' (which means penguin-watching) at Foxy Beach; and 'recreation' (sunbathing, swimming etc) at Boulders Beach.
This means observers would be able to mingle freely with the penguins at Boulders Beach.
However, penguins would not be allowed to nest above the beach. Locals are locked in a bitter love-hate relationship with the penguins. While many people recognise the importance of preserving the penguins' natural habitat because they cannot be successfully "re-colonised", and because of the lucrative tourism draw of the black and white birds, many complain of smell, noise and traffic congestion.
The draft report also includes better traffic and parking measures, pedestrian protection and other measures. A visitors' centre and toilets would be built and staff facilties improved.
Ms Van den Honert said: "The objective is to develop a world-class penguin-viewing facility at Foxy Beach while allowing recreational use of the other beaches, minimising environmental impact, maximising pedestrian access, managing traffic and pedestrian flow and reducing impact on local residents."
The 'Issues Report' forms part of the Cape Peninsula National Park's Development Framework for Boulders which goes to the Department of Tourism and Environmental Affairs for review. Other bodies will comment on it before planning studies begin and permission granted or rejected.

(Simon Farrell)