Public consultation opens on protecting Queensland’s World Surfing Reserves

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.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said that the Palaszczuk Government was committed to ensuring that 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,” said Mr de Brenni.

“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 and this feedback will enable a re-elected Palaszczuk Government to develop legislation that could give strong and lasting protections to the waves.”

“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,” said Mr de Brenni.

Chairman of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Andrew McKinnon said the value of the World Surfing Reserves to the community is 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.

“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.

ENDS

Media contact: Rosie Gilbert 0466 834 330