Ex world champ Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew says surf community will support party with sport’s future in mind
COAST icon “Rabbit” Bartholomew has dangled a political carrot ahead of the election saying surfers will support the party ensuring the sport’s future.
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FORMER world champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew has dangled a political carrot to both major parties ahead this month’s poll, saying the influential surfing fraternity will support the one that has the sport’s future at heart.
Surfers want the iconic beachline on the southern Gold Coast upgraded from a national surfing reserve to a world surfing reserve and have targeted the electorate of Burleigh to make a political stance.
The seat is held by LNP MP Michael Hart but with a predicted statewide swing against the Government at the January 31 poll, boardriders believe their say could be vital.
Mr Bartholomew (pictured) said the “small strip of sand at the high-tide mark made all the money on the Gold Coast” and it was in danger of being “loved to death”.
SURFERS SET TO MAKE POLITICAL WAVES
“I would like to see more recognition from the State Government. That little strip between high and low tide is our greatest asset.
“The crowds don’t seem to go home any more.
“They are here all year, and Snapper could do with a break,” said Mr Bartholomew, a former ASP president and Gold Coast surf advisory committee member.
“We have a thriving industry and that is part of why the Gold Coast is world-famous.
“The Gold Coast markets surfing overseas.”
Mr Bartholomew said surfers would keep fighting until there was recognition.
“The reserve to me is a no-brainer. The place is going to be loved to death with the absolute popularity of surfing.”
An economic study released by the council in 2009 showed how important the surf industry is to the Coast, contributing about $3.3 billion each year.
The boardriders community also provided about 9.4 per cent of the local economy’s total output and its 22,000 full-time jobs was around 12.6 per cent of the city’s overall employment.
Mr Bartholomew said world surfing reserve status would not change beach use but provide further protection and recognition for surf breaks and surfing heritage.
Mr Hart was aware of the push for a world surfing reserve, but said he had been approached only once by a group about the issue.
“My understanding is that the guys involved have been up to see the Premier and relevant ministers to discuss the issue,” said Mr Hart, stressing he would not support projects that closed beaches to particular groups.
“I am open to anything that would allow our beaches to be open to everybody,” he said.
“I will not support anything that will close our beaches off to a particular group.”
He said he had been in regular contact with surfers in his constituency including the Burleigh Boardriders and Cr Greg Betts.
“We need more surf breaks, whether they are artificial reefs or wave pools,” Mr Hart said.
Labor representative for Burleigh, Gail Hislop, said Labor would declare a world surfing reserve from Burleigh Heads to Kirra if elected.
“We will get it approved from state and local government to preserve surf breaks,” Ms Hislop said.
Recent wins for Gold Coast Surfers
• Extension of the groyne at Kirra
• Introduction of Gold Coast Surf Advisory Committee by Gold Coast City Council
• Premier Campbell Newman ruling out cruise ship terminal at Kirra
Next on the Wishlist
• World Surf Reserve Burleigh to Kirra
• More Gold Coast Surf Breaks
• Increased “Surf Amenity”
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