The title of ‘World Surfing Reserve’ which will become official in 2020 and how this label may affect the Noosa region in the future, will be the topic of discussion at the Noosa Parks EnviroForum on Wednesday 22 May.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) geographer specialising in coastal studies Dr Javier Leon will speak about Noosa’s unique surfing history and culture, and discuss how part of the region came to be recognised as a World Surfing Reserve.
While this global title is sure to increase surfing tourism in the region, the future implications, both for locals in the surfing community and in the wider community will be considered. The characteristics of Noosa’s surf quality and threats to this quality, as well as factors that will deter people from surfing, are key points that will be addressed by Dr Leon with surf etiquette being a hot topic.
Dr Leon led a team of students in a ‘surfonomic’ study, which involved surveying local and visiting surfers on a range of topics over a six-week period.
“Dr Leon is passionate about surfing and about the local community, so we’re really looking forward to getting his viewpoint – both as an environmental expert and as a local surfer,” Noosa Parks EnviroForum coordinator Lyn Graham said.
The forum will be held at Noosa Parks Environmental Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Wallace Park, Noosaville from 5.30pm with live music, drinks, finger food and the guest speaker at 6pm.Cost $5. For more information visit Lyn at noosaparksenviroforum@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/noosaenviroforum/
