NATIONAL NEWS

Gold Coast chosen to host World Surfing Conservation Conference

The Gold Coast has been selected to host the upcoming World Surfing Conservation Conference.

The conference, recognised as a premier event in the surfing world, will bring together experts, scientists, and enthusiasts from across the globe to address critical issues affecting surf breaks and coastal environments.

The conference, scheduled for next year at Southern Cross University, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Key topics on the agenda include the protection of point breaks and beaches, sustainable surf management practices, and the impact of climate change on coastal environments.

“We do a reasonably good job on the Gold Coast with our surf management plan, which has become a model for the rest of the world,” world champion surfer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew said.

“We’re the only city in the world that has one of these plans.

“We’re looking to protect point breaks, beaches, (ensure it is)seen as the asset it is.”

In addition to the conference sessions, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in excursions to the Gold Coast’s renowned surf breaks, providing a firsthand experience of the city’s world-class waves.