A question from Greens MP Ian Cohen to the Minister for Lands in Parliament today attempted to shed some light on the possible impact of Rip Curl’s proposed professional surfing event on the Lennox National Surfing Reserve.
Minister Kelly was able to dodge questions about the overall ecological impact of the event as - to date - there has not yet been a formal approach to the NSW Government from Rip Curl.
“The thing about this event is that it has the potential to compromise the integrity of the marine park when the hordes overrun the headland and beaches. There are fragile ecosystems at Lennox,” said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“This area was proclaimed a National Surfing Reserve because it’s an iconic site with environmental, cultural and historical significance to the Australian surfing culture.
“It’s these values that draw huge numbers of tourists to the area every year. A one-off event may be a money-spinner for local business in the short term, but we need to assess these sorts of events from a long-term perspective.
“The Rip Curl event will draw thousands of people who’ll be trying to glimpse the surf action. This has the potential to trash the place. On top of that there’ll be building work with all kinds of temporary structures going up and what impact will that have?
“I’m 100 per cent behind community surf events at Lennox like the annual ‘All Girls Surf Showdown’ - the largest women-only surfing competition in Australia - but these events are probably big enough already if the values of the surf reserve are to be maintained.
“It’s not a bad thing that locals will get the chance to compete against some of the big names in surfing on their home break, but this needs to be weighed against the temporary take over of the break by the Rip Curl corporation.
“Bigger isn’t always better in this world,” said Mr Cohen, “and if you’re a surfer you’ll know that a crowd is what you spend your time trying to avoid.”
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466 or Nic Clyde on 0417 742 754
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