Double chance for Queensland in World Surfing Reserve bids

The Save the Waves Coalition is set to decide tomorrow if a Queensland beach will become a World Surfing Reserve.

The Gold Coast, and Noosa are the only areas other than Brazil to make the short-list.

Only one world surfing reserve is approved each year by international body, Save the Waves Coalition, and Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said he was stoked Queensland had two shots at the title.

“It’s down to the Gold Coast, Noosa and Guarda Do Embaú in Brazil so I think we’ve got a pretty good chance,’ Dr Miles said.

“It is well known worldwide that Queensland is one of the greatest places to visit if you’re a surfer.

“One of our election commitments was to work with Gold Coast City Council and the community to have the Gold Coast’s southern beaches and surf breaks declared a world surfing reserve.

“But we are also delighted that Noosa’s beaches, already recognised as a National Surfing Reserve, have made it on to the shortlist'.

 The Save the Waves Coalition will meet tomorrow (Wednesday 14 October) but isn’t expected to officially announce the winner until next month.

 Member for Springwood, Mr Mick de Brenni said the nominations recognise the outstanding beauty of our beaches and the importance of surfing and the surfing and tourism industry to the regions.

 “On the Gold Coast, for example, the surf industry is worth $1.4 billion and supports more than 20,000 jobs,” Mr de Brenni said.

 The Chairman of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc. Andrew McKinnon said each World Surfing Reserve is selected on four criteria – Quality and Consistency of Waves, Environmental Characteristics, Surf Culture and History, and Local Support / Capacity.

 “Queensland surfing areas easily meet the criteria and then some. The local support has been incredible and we are really grateful to the community for their efforts in supporting the bid,' Mr McKinnon said.

“While the dedication of a world surfing reserve may be symbolic, it highlights to the world the need for very careful planning of any development that impacts on these magnificent beaches,” he said.

The World Surfing Reserves program was launched in December 2008 by the Save the Waves Coalition to identify, designate and preserve outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments throughout the world.

Information on the Save the Waves Coalition and its World Surfing Reserve program is available at www.savethewaves.org/programs/world-surfing-reserves.

ENDS

Media contact: Neil Doorley 0412 3939 909