Abstract
Executive summary
This report presents findings from interviews and a focus group held in September 2024 with stakeholders involved in the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve (WSR). Participants shared perspectives on the evolution of the WSR, its governance structures, and its role in balancing surf culture, community needs, and environmental sustainability on one of Australia’s most urbanised coastlines.
Participants praised the WSR Stewardship Committee, Council leadership, and strong data partnerships with universities. However, concerns were raised about increasing surf congestion, tourism pressure, development impacts, and the lack of formal legal protections for surf zones. The region’s surf culture was described as both a source of pride and a space of growing tension, especially across generations and user groups.
Participants envisioned a future where surf breaks are protected, water quality is improved, and inclusive infrastructure supports equitable access. Recommendations include embedding surf amenity in legislation, expanding youth and Indigenous engagement, maintaining political support, and investing in surf science, public education, and distributed surf infrastructure. While risks from over development and environmental decline remain high, the Gold Coast WSR was described as a potential global model for urban surf stewardship, if its momentum can be sustained and scaled.
This report presents findings from interviews and a focus group held in September 2024 with stakeholders involved in the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve (WSR). Participants shared perspectives on the evolution of the WSR, its governance structures, and its role in balancing surf culture, community needs, and environmental sustainability on one of Australia’s most urbanised coastlines.
Participants praised the WSR Stewardship Committee, Council leadership, and strong data partnerships with universities. However, concerns were raised about increasing surf congestion, tourism pressure, development impacts, and the lack of formal legal protections for surf zones. The region’s surf culture was described as both a source of pride and a space of growing tension, especially across generations and user groups.
Participants envisioned a future where surf breaks are protected, water quality is improved, and inclusive infrastructure supports equitable access. Recommendations include embedding surf amenity in legislation, expanding youth and Indigenous engagement, maintaining political support, and investing in surf science, public education, and distributed surf infrastructure. While risks from over development and environmental decline remain high, the Gold Coast WSR was described as a potential global model for urban surf stewardship, if its momentum can be sustained and scaled.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | University of Plymouth |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2025 |