Future Of Margaret River Pro In Limbo
The future of Western Australia's premier surfing event is in limbo after local residents objected to the continued staging of the Margaret River Pro.
The annual event has been a fixture on the ASP and WSL calendar more than thirty years, and draws the cream of international surfing and thousands of spectators to Margaret River and the surrounding South West each year.
But with the World Surf League's five-year permit to hold the event in Margaret River now up for review, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has reserved its decision on whether to continue its support for the event from next year on.
A period of public consultation that finished in October drew 69 objections, 48 statements of support, and 24 indifferent responses.
The event attracts bumper crowds to Margaret River and surrounding towns each year (ABC South West // Dominique Bayens)
"While the Margaret River Pro attracts widespread community support each year; submissions received during the consultation process raised several important issues," a Shire spokesperson 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."
While the event is fully funded for next year, council support is still required for the competition organisers to access the public land and infrastructure where the competition takes place.
The WSL has made a variety of community support commitments as part of it's ongoing proposal, including environmental and recycling programs on site, the engagement of local suppliers and businesses and the general promotion of the region's tourist attractions in the lead-up to the event.
'It doesn't have that small atmosphere anymore'
While Margaret River has played a central role in WA's surf culture, and trades on its beachside image, residents have shown an increasing tendency to object to development in recent years.
More than 300 locals petitioned against the construction of specialist disability accommodation in November last year, citing the loss of a dog exercise area, amongst other objections.
While the Shire joined with residents to block the construction of a 92-person childcare centre in June, citing the potential impact on local amenity.
Kelly Slater signs autographs during this year's Margaret River Pro (ABC News // Nicolas Perptich)
Denmark-based surfing instructor Mike Neunuebel said he understood people's frustrations about the Pro. "Margaret River is crowded now, to the locals, because of all the people who live there," he said.
"I wouldn't say it's ruined, but it doesn't have that small atmosphere anymore."
But he said it would be a short-sighted move to allow the vocal outcry to end the tournament. "It brings an incredible amount of international publicity to Margaret River," Mr Neunuebel said. "It would take a lot of international significance away from Western Australia; Margaret River is the best place to run that comp."
Dunsborough surfer and surfboard shaper Zac Ogram said the loss of the event would devestate the local surfing community.
"It's always been a good opportunity for the young crew coming through to get a glimpse of the world's best surfers," he said. "You see it every year: all the kids down there watching, then five or six years later you see them pushing boundaries and entering the trials to get into the pro."
The council will finalise its position at its December 13 meeting.
// JACQUELINE LYNCH and PETER BARR
© Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Comments
surfing Western Australia annual report indicated $1,142,467.00 was spent on the wsl event this financial with a return of this invest of $1,135,562.00. So many questions on these figures alone from the roi to how they manage to spend this much coin. Is this on top of the state government $$$ ? The WSL isn’t gonna walk away from that type of coin, they are pigs.
Honestly cutting quite even...
Which isn't a bad thing considering it's Actually a large advertising event.
They probably spend as much money regrading all the football fields in the areas in the south of the state , that no one really uses
the tour is dead already. this event has always sucked. no one surfs margies. its the worst wave in the area. and the WSl reluctance to use its box and north option shows how little they care about what the fans actually want. i read somewhere taj burrow has never free surfed margies. its an old mans wave famous for sailboards and 9 ft old c*nts taking bombs. its a rite of passage for locals but surf it a few times big and then move on.
" No one surfs Margies". Fact check: It's probably the most surfed wave in Australia, probably because it's so shit?. It ain't north point, but it's not North Steyne or Bondi either
Great point, might be a bit fat however it is a reef, it is exposed to heaps of powerful swell which means dependable waves and big - more than you could say for anywhere around NSW or SE QLD.
fair call. context: if you have spent a lot of time in the area you dont surf it. some guys love it. so many better waves in area though.
Please for the love of god ditch Margies and put snapper back on tour where it rightfully belongs
Article on Margs by non local clueless shit stirrer , actual protests were about the massive resort slated to be built on currently empty headland in tiny beach hamlet rather than disability accommodation or childcare centre in town?
Total fake news by what seems to be wsl stooge at best .
As for comments made regarding pro from nobody local either such as a Denmark ( 5hrs away) based surfing instructor... or even with an opinion that counts .
Try being locked out of your local surf break for 6 weeks so some Merican company can exploit it and run vip evemts in the carpark thru the duration and during the best time of year for surf , including thru school and easter holidays , what a farce , as if its not crowded enough already .
Fuck wsl and the Pro
Fight the power Campbell.
Solidarity.
It's interesting , I can't imagine many other activities that tell the largest exhibition event of the year to " fuck off" cause a few of the locals don't get to use a wave for 4 or 5 days of the year.
Imagine turning up to grand final day with your mates and telling the teams and spectators to "fuck off. "
Kinda bizarre /fascinating really......
Yeah, I thought the journalism was very suspect on those grounds.
Comments from Denmark resident and a Dunsbouough local shaper ????… talk to the locals…. Take these events back to the shitty beach break areas like the 80’s … that’s where they belong
Oooo that is harsh.
Logical.
And fair
Just as an aside, Mikey is a great bloke. Love him.
Dunsborough/Yals crew love a scene. Maybe move it to Bears. Taj freesurfs there. Woozle can build a road in and a new carpark for more 300 series’ and Rangies. Yew!
what absolute crap journalism. You havent even interviewed anyone or source opinions from within the margaret river shire. This site is so pro biased that one would think wsl ownedswellnet. Who does own swellnet? Stunet was called out earlier in the year for jumping the gun announcing the event was locked in for the next 5 years but quickly retracted his story and rewrote it within hours of being called over it. He never did reply as to why he retracted or apologise for spreading fake news.
Swellnet is wholly owned by me, as it has been since I started the website 21 years ago
Quietly amused at the notion that Swellnet is in bed with the WSL too. As far as I'm aware, Swellnet is the only surf media that's been banned from their events, never received an invite to the Lemoore wave pool, etc.
HA!
i love it ...... Everyone has the answers to your business.
Been there, done that !
I really enjoy most of the stories on Swellnet and find them so much better informed that most of what the competion offers, but this articel is really a discgrace - where on earth did they come up with a disability center?
It's a real black mark on Swellnet - hope they release an adequate retraction and Mea Culpa.
Syndication of an ABC story. See copyright at the end.
"where on earth did they come up with a disability center?"
Possibly from here: https://www.amrtimes.com.au/news/augusta-margaret-river-times/riverslea-...
uuhh - that's 15km inland.
The article puts the opposition to the disability centre in contrast to Marg's hitherto "central role in WA surf culture " and "trade on it's beachside image", and an indication that this might be changing. This is in an article about the pro.
"While Margaret River has played a central role in WA's surf culture, and trades on its beachside image, residents have shown an increasing tendency to object to development in recent years."
This is the preceding paragraph - can any other reasonable conclusion be drawn than it would be a beachside development ? It's so irrelevant to the debate it didn't cross my mind that was what they were referring to.
An article from well over a year ago about a protest group of residents from a subdivision in the town . Thanks for clearing that up Stu.
Relevant to the surf pro ,its continued expansion and the cost vs benefit to the community, How so?
Stu > "Syndication of an ABC story. See copyright at the end." > why isn't it at the start so it's clear that it's the ABC. Isn't that journalistic protocol? Not trying to be pedantic - I've heard it said by ABC journalists before that it's cheeky the way Swellnet does this. > RR
Not trying to be cheeky. The journalist has their byline as per protocol, and copyright at the end, also where it should be.
FWIW it's a service we pay for.
fair enough; sounds like are doing the right thing. I'm just passing on comments made directly to me by ABC journalists.
here's my 10c worth i submitted to the shire, followed by their 2 responses - sorry pretty lengthy, all readers obviously not as invested in this. I'm not sure whether they counted me among the for, against or indifferent - whether this means against the contest taking place at all or just the arrangements the WSL proposed.
the economic benefit is usually put forward as the most important reason to host the event. What is this benefit actually? I've never seen a sophisticated economic analysis of what the value of the event actually is to the town region - could this be provided please? This needs to take into account the fact that the state government is the main sponsor of the prize money - should the state government gave that money directly to the region, what would the net effect of the event be? North Point is unnecessary. The odds have having 4 days of competition conditions there, in any 30 day period of the year, are negligible. Occupying the site for 20 days in the hope of having 1 or 2 days of competitions cannot be justified. The Box is an equally exciting equally different (to Surfer's Point) alternative venue that requires no additional infrastructure. There is no need to extend the contest period to 31 days. What is the purported reason for this? I cannot recall a year the WSL struggled to have anough competable days with the previously allowed waiting period
Thank you for your question; we apologise for the late response.
According to the 2022 Tourism WA economic report and WSL broadcast report, the event generated $2.6 million in direct expenditure, $8.9 million in regional expenditure, and 7,845 nights of visitor accommodation. The Shire will be working with the WSL to explore options to make information on the economic benefits more readily available to the public.
The 31 day timeframe includes set-up and pack-down. Generally, the event operates for 5-6 days (weather dependent), with a waiting period of 11 days.
If the Margaret River Pro moves to The Box or North Point, spectators are encouraged to watch the event online. The Box and Northpoint are considered broadcast events with limited access for spectators. If the event is moved to North Point, capacity of the beach area is limited to 400 spectators. An approved bunting and fencing plan will be implemented to protect sensitive areas. Marshals will also be located in sensitive areas to provide direction.
Please get in touch if you have any further queries.
We have just received some more economic statistics from WSL.
It is estimated that the 2023 Margaret River Pro attracted 26,000 spectators, with visitors to the region staying approximately 6 days and spending an average of $1,920 during their stay (based on the data captured in the Tourism Western Australia report over the years 2021 and 2022). In 2023, $550,000 was spent on event operational expenses and approximately $259,000 spent on accommodation within the Shire, totalling over $800,000.
Please get in touch if you have any further queries.
Doesn’t seem like a great return on investment to me. A decent chunk of the $1900 being spent by visitors (if that number is even accurate) would be going to property owners via Airbnb rather than supporting local businesses
A lot of those property owners might be long term locals trying to keep their heads afloat. Any money spent with them is money going back into the community. Our town has been has been trashed by crowds and development. At least we might be able to get something back.
That may be true, SR1. My issue isn’t with people renting out their place to supplement income, more focussed on the return on tax payer funded investment and the wsl/ tourism WA throwing around a number to make it look like each of the supposed 26k visitors spend 2k at local businesses that week. Local property owners can likely make a similar return from airbnb on any other weekend during school holidays
Sorry for harping on - hope this is my last whinge.
Last census estimated population of the shire is 18 000, fair few of them live here primarily because of the surf. Obviously not all of those care about Surfer's Point necessarily, but for the shire to receive 141 submissions is piss poor.
Like with so many things, many whiners but the majority can't be fucked to do anything about it that requires a little bit of effort.
Last census 18 000? Thats bullshit. It's closer to 30k.
Cowtown alone is now 2500. Thats up from 200 when I moved there. The AMR is inclusive of Augusta to Boundary road. Check out Witchy and Karridale now.
Population growth is fucken bizarre in how quickly and exponentially it is happening.
The argument you make is so myopic. Who the fuck knows what the transient population is?
I fucken hate the shit backpacker party scene that trashes my local beach. Hate it.
That is just now a thing out of our control. Of course if I was 25 and partying I'd be mindlessly joining in.
Regardless of who finances what, who goes where, who does what.....
We have had our freedom reigned in. Our surf is forever going to be fucking crowded. This 100km stretch of coast is saturated. It's done.
However, most of us would love to see the worlds best surfers on one of those very rare days at perfect North Point. When it is one of the top 10 waves on the planet.
Let the parties involved at least be able to throw the dice and enable them to let them make it happen if it comes up double 6.
If it does, it will be spectacular. Filipe Toledo might not like it much though.
Where do the backpackers go when they close off the carpark for a month?
MikeHunt's joint
: -] ]
Ha!
"Devestate"? Sorry, I'm in a pedantic mood.
And boy I'm grateful the locals here have kept saying no to the Wozzle
"The WSL has made a variety of community support commitments as part of its ongoing proposal, including environmental and recycling programs on site....." Yeah, because they have such a great track record in those areas. Pfffftttt.....
They go where ever they want to. They aren't controllable. The communicate very well, they have some hidey holes when they need and they set up massive doofs most weekends. Good on them. They just need some clarity about that fucken fire twirling thing they do when they are in the bush way down Mowen road when its 35 c and blowing NE.
Can't say I like my local dog beach being over run but I do love g strings.
Anyway. Lets focus on the surfing. Yep Margs is a dull wave to watch. It sure isn't to surf. I understand that perception. If the pros are here, let them have a crack at north point if it's on. Some years ago, the comp was on, the swell picked up and North fired.
Fark. who was out there? KS, Mick F, Joel P, was AI there? Maybe. I can't remember them all. It was amazing viewing for a couple of hours. Indelibly etched in my shrinking brain. And still, the plumber got the best waves. Forgotten his name. He is still the man out there
Probably Rohan Annesley.
Not sure that reproducing local ABC articles is an asset on Swellnet, first the windfarms article and now this crap one. More a reflection on the quality of journalism in the current age?
I reckon current Swellnet Margs surf observer during morning surf checks could have got a better feel of how local surfers feel about the Pro by asking.
What was the problem with the wind farm article?
I don’t think the economic benefit should only factor in the tourists and spectators during the actual event. It puts the area on bucket lists for many all year for many years. Unfortunately, like most coastal surf communities, it has been over run by newcomers after a sea change , land clearing for new developments etc. I lived there for numerous years, lack of work forced me out, but the rest of my ( younger ) family that now still live there, have much more work opportunities.tourism. I used to read tracks magazine etc , and be stoked when the area got a plug, be careful what you wish for. Apart from west Aussies and the intrepid east coaster, there was no surfing tourists. Bit different now.
Move it to Double Island Point. heard there are good banks there.
LOL
Fkn love this cd - the whole wozzle shebang set up on the sand bank in 35 degree heat, when a sinkhole opens up and swallows the c@#ts whole... :))
Ha ha
Yeah move it to double island point.
There are some locals who might object but I heard they all got mange.
the tour needs to get away from the government tourism sponsored events and to the actual best waves. i know it's not sustainable this way and can't happen, but it's really not a bad thing to lose an event like Margies
How do towns survive without a WSL contest these days???
From memory the WA government was very supportive of the WSL during Covid, and hosting two events including Rotto was part of the reason there was even a tour that year. Hard to see a few dozen submissions destroying that relationship, but who knows.
I can think of a different venue that might satisfy the DS locals
https://surfingdownsouth.com.au/2018/08/15/1984-philishave-tracer-pro-at...
Nailed it VJ
X2
My Gut feel, is the future of all pro surfing is in limbo!
You can only bite the hand that feeds you for so long!
Then ?
lived at station road caravan park in an onsite van for $50/week in the 90's, you'd probably pay that just for a latte and a sausage roll on the main strip these days, wouldn't be the worst thing if the WSL and the associated leeches move on
'residents have shown an increasing tendency to object to development in recent years.'
It doesn't seem like it given the rate at which new homes are being built in the MR region - its INSANE. I can take or leave the contest but the crowds will continue to increase regardless as the trend of people leaving Australian cities (ie, Perth) to move to small coastal towns has been hyper-accelerated by Covid. I've had friends who've made a small fortune by selling their homes which were purchased pre-Covid. They've moved onto emptier but more mediocre pastures.
Council approved it today for the next 5 years despite over half the local community rejecting it.
what's your take on it all @southern?
(re the above criticisms of the article posting, I love when mainstream articles are re-posted here, and the comments from locally invested crew draw attention to an article's shortcomings. Better that someone interested on the google gets that combo of info via swellnet, than just getting the original article on mainstream.)
No surprise Southernraw, local community don't count unless....
Yeah interesting one @basesix. I actually had to stop and wonder if alot of the 'new' residents were a large part of the opposition. Dont want those surfies clogging up our caboodle walking beaches and winery tours!
Obviously i completely understand and sympathise with the local surfers who love and nurture the place and are sick if seeing the woz continually take the piss.
Personally for me, it doesn't affect me directly but itd give me the shits big time if my raw, spiritual stretch of coast got overrun by a non inclusive circus thats sole intention is to fall under the gaze of the world, Brazilians and all!!!
Its definitely an under for me.
For the few that benefit, far too many in the surfing community are negatively impacted.
Fair call basesix, had not thought about the angle of, locally invested crew draw attention to an article's shortcomings to inform swellnet folk .
To many cashed up Blowins move in to town and think they own it , FFS its been running for 30 years , it be a real shame to lose it as its a real thriller of an event when its BIG , its a great event for the up and coming bigger groms to cut there teeth as a wild card and push the envelope to the next level , it employs people and money is spent in the South West , every one wins hands down , stop your whingeing the contest was here before most of you whingers where .
Love that swellnet is free to access, also the lively debate. Pro surfing has never been relevant to the average surfer, something to read about occasionally. Bit of a nuisance when they pass through town and glad to see the back of them. Let them have Margs, plenty of other spots for the locals.