The opening of the first full surfing reserve in NSW at Angourie on the NSW North Coast is a win for the environment, and a tribute to surfers and the local community, according to NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“I’ve been surfing at Angourie since 1970 and and am honoured to have been invited to Friday’s official opening ceremony,” said Mr Cohen
“This reserve will ensure that the natural beauty of this wonderful beach will be protected, as well as recognising that it is an exceptional and iconic surfing spot.
“It also acknowledges that Angourie has a colourful history – it was the place where the surf rage incident, which resulted in serious injury to surfing legend Nat Young, occurred in March 2000. This low point ultimately became a turning point. It inspired me to convene a conference of surf elders, including Nat Young, to look at ways to confront the issue of surf rage. This led to a vigorous campaign, with Nat as its figurehead, which generated enormous awareness and discussion of the problem among surfers.
“This reserve also reflects the ethos of coastal stewardship that has become the hallmark of the surfing community. Surfers today are far more aware of environmental issues than they were ten or twenty years ago, and I congratulate the Surfrider Foundation in particular for their work in this area.
“This is also a tribute to the dedication of local volunteers, who have, through their Dunecare and Coastcare groups, toiled tirelessly to transform what was once a weed infested unkempt place into the stunning area we see today.
“The NSW Department of Lands and the National Surfing Reserves Committee are to be commended for their work in the creation of this reserve,” concluded Mr Cohen.
The Opening of the Angourie National Surf reserve will be held at 11AM on Friday January 12 at the Angourie Point Car park, Pacific St, Angourie.
Ian Cohen will be present at the opening and can be contacted for further comment on 0409 989 466
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