Burleigh Heads Pavilion owner Ben May pumped for Gold Coast Pro world surf tour stop
Burleigh is already tough enough to get a park - but businesses aren’t concerned about that as they brace for a forecast 20,000 spectators for the world pro surf tour stop coming. FULL STORY
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Burleigh business operators are frothing the relocation of the World Surf League’s glamour Gold Coast Pro championship their way next month - but it is destined to be a one off.
WSL president Andrew Stark said Snapper Rocks’ famed super bank - considered one of the best waves in the world but not expected to recover from Cyclone Alfred damage before the May 3-13 event - was still the preferred destination.
Mr Stark said sand movement during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred had compromised Snapper’s usually idyllic surf conditions but added: “We’re certainly heading back there next year, but for this year, we’re coming to Burleigh.”
The relocation to Burleigh - revealed by this masthead on Thursday - was an “extremely difficult decision” Mr Stark said, but Burleigh businesses are thrilled..
Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May - estimating 20,000 spectators would pack in and on Burleigh hill overlooking the break and his venue - said he would host opening parties and VIP events.
“It’s gonna be incredible. It’s one of the top sporting events on Australia’s calendar, so to have it here in Burleigh is going to be amazing.
He said it would be great to showcase the best of the Gold Coast, particularly after the cyclone.
“There could be 20,000 people on the headland - it’s enormous. Millions of people will be watching this telecast.”
Chill Cup cafe owner Keith Zhong said: “If people come past and notice a nice place, they might even come back in the future.
“There are people constantly complaining about finding parking ... but that’s a council problem to solve. For business, more people is better.”
Local Tamara Jones who walks to work every day at fashion store Baby Lemonade said it’s “cool as” and “going to be hectic”.
She said its already near impossible to find a park in the area on weekends, and traffic crawls at the best of times, but she was sure that won’t detract from the charm.
“It’ll bring more people around, and I’m sure they’ll fall in love with Burleigh.”
The Koffee Shack owner Dale Leong, a keen surfer, said: “I’s great for the area. We’ve always kind of had world-class surfing, so yeah it’s good to be recognised.”
He said he really hoped the event would bring a lot of customers to the area, because business had been slowed by traffic caused by the tram works.
“All businesses have been affected - it’s not just us - so yeah, it’s good for the area.
He expected the area would get chaotic for the event but most weekends it was chaos as it is.
“I don’t think most attending will be staying in the area so I hope they get some kind of public transport - maybe run some buses in for people.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said it was the first time Burleigh had hosted a World Surf League event, but as a part of the World Surfing Reserve it was more than up to standard.
“While it’s disappointing not to be at the superbank at Snapper Rocks, and starting the four-year deal we’d done with the [World Surf League], what better place to go than Burleigh Heads?” Mr Warn asked.
Mr Warn confirmed the championship would only be held at Burleigh for one year, between May 3 and 13.
Originally published as Burleigh Heads Pavilion owner Ben May pumped for Gold Coast Pro world surf tour stop
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