Queenslanders are being invited have their say on how to preserve Queensland’s World Surfing Reserves for surfers and beachgoers now and into the future, canvassing the major issues facing our precious wave zones.
Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring the pristine beaches of the southern Gold Coast and Noosa were protected for locals and tourists alike.
“We’ve heard from experts – now we’ve opened consultation to hear from the people who visit our beaches, swim in our waters, and surf our waves,” he said.
“Our government knows the waves on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are a key driver of economic and social prosperity in these regions.
“We’ve committed to consider enshrining these protections in law.
“Much of the area surrounding these surf breaks is already protected, such as the vegetation, bushland, threatened species and water quality, but initial consultation has indicated that there could be a gap when it comes to protecting these highly regarded wave zones from developments or uses that could be detrimental.“
President of the Noosa World Surfing Reserve Phil Jarratt said he welcomed the opportunity for the broad community to have their say about how Queensland’s two World Surfing Reserves might be managed.
“Since we started campaigning to become a National Surfing Reserve more than seven years ago, our committee has sought to be inclusive not just of the surfing community but of all beach users. Now, as a World Surfing Reserve since February 2020, we have been proactive in guiding the State Government through the process of framing legislation to protect these reserves. We are extremely fortunate in Noosa in that much of the heavy lifting has been done by previous generations in creating a backdrop of national park for our world famous surf breaks, but there is still plenty of work to be done, and our stewardship council looks forward to hearing ideas from the community.“
Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve chairman Andrew McKinnon said the value of the World Surfing Reserves to the community was immeasurable.
“They’re important in an environmental, tourism and economic sense, but especially to the thousands of surfers, beachgoers and boaties who enjoy them every day,“ he said.
“Now that these two areas have been recognised globally, we have a unique opportunity to craft formal protections for the waves which ultimately support hundreds of surfboard and apparel shops, surfing schools, hotels, surfing festivals and surf life-saving competitions.”
Mr de Brenni said the consultation is expected to be open online until the end of November, before a decision is made on how to best enshrine protections for our surf zones.
There are currently 11 World Surfing Reserves around the globe including two in Queensland – places deemed important for preserving due to their outstanding waves, wildlife, coastlines and natural beauty.
Have your say by visiting qld.gov.au/worldsurfingreserves.
