Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council to consider objections to World Surf League Margaret River Pro

While media outlets were quick to suggest the future of the Margaret River Pro was yet again up in the air, councillors would make the final decision next week when considering the World Surf League’s latest permit applications.

Last Tuesday, November 28, councillors received an update from officers on the feedback from recent advertising of WSL’s latest application that included a contentious bid to reinclude Gracetown’s North Point in its new five-year schedule, starting next year.

It comes amid hot debate about the Pro’s benefits versus the cost to residents in the surfing mecca, led by veteran boardriders admittedly not keen on the contest at all.

In recent years, the Pro has been subject to extensive criticism for the corporate event occupying key sites for long periods of time and excluding local surfers from their favourite spots.

WSL and Surfing WA have hosed down those concerns as inaccurate, and talking up the economic benefits to the region as well as the environmental and outreach programs for juniors taking place during the annual event.

The Pro also has the financial backing of the State Government, through Tourism WA, with the April-May contest seen as a major marketing tool for international recognition of the region.

However, notes released about the November 28 briefing said the advertising period saw a big number of formal objections.

Planning and regulatory services manager Matt Cuthbert said the Pro attracted widespread support, submissions “raised several important issues”. “We received 141 submissions – 48 in support, 69 objections and 24 indifferent,” he said. “Broadly, the objections raised concerns about the length of the contest, public access to the foreshore and recreational areas, impact from the use of North Point, the use of Surfers Point over Easter, and the licensed area.”

Mr Cuthbert said the recent briefing followed an “extensive” consultation process and a final decision would be made at the Wednesday, December 13 council meeting.

He also said residents who made submissions would be advised of the outcome.