Private deals to keep World Surf Tour events Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro on Gold Coast

THE Gold Coast is backing a surf tourism wave as behind doors deals will secure the long-term future of the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks.

THE Gold Coast is backing a surf tourism wave to ensure Holy Grail events like the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros stay at Snapper Rocks.

A new report to city hall urges Gold Coast City councillors to sign off on doubling the amount of funding for the world championship events to ensure they are not lost to Snapper Rocks.

Councillors will be given a report card that shows the twin events, due to start the World Surf League series tomorrow, give a $20 million economic and promotional boost for the city.

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New events like the National Standup Paddleboard titles, staged at Currumbin since 2013, will also receive more funding given its digital audience views tops more than one million.

A surf village has set up at Snapper Rocks for the opening round of the World Surf League from Saturday. Picture: Scott Fletcher

But older annual promotions like the Surfers Paradise Festival, which is seeking $50,000 in funding, will obtain only $10,000 with organisers required to provide a “road map” on how it can become a major event.

A post-event report estimates that the direct economic impact for the Coast from the 2014 Quiksilver and Roxy Pro was more than $7.2 million.

The Association of Surf Professionals had generated an estimated $10 million in media benefits from the Coast event with a 927 per cent increase in “unique fans” and 489 per cent lift in “registered fans” on their digital site in the past 12 months.

Council officers warn that Tourism Events Queensland has been negotiating with event organisers about government support and “a significant increase” was needed to retain it.

“An additional contribution from council is likely to continue to secure the event for the city, up to some $100,000,” the report said.

Council community and cultural development committee chairman Bob La Castra confirmed councillors would be asked to double the funding for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros and the National Stand-up Paddleboard titles.

Cr La Castra said more funding was required to ensure the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro remained on the Coast’s southern end.

“Obviously it is a good event. We want to keep hold of it. It has to come back to council (for a vote). There is still a bit of negotiation and talks to be done. It’s a big increase, it’s a doubling of what they are given now,” he said.