ASB MAGAZINE: Surfing Western Australia welcomed a commitment from a re-elected Morrison Liberal Government to invest $4 million in a new purpose-built facility for surfing in Western Australia.

The investment will cater for increasing participation demands and allow for the future growth of the sport in WA.
 
Liberal Candidate for Stirling, Vince Connelly and outgoing Federal Minster Michael Keenan today met with representatives from Surfing WA to discuss the funding commitment, which will allow the organisation to move from its existing headquarters at Trigg Point to a new state-of-the-art facility at South Trigg Beach.

The new facility will feature an expanded operational area for surfing lessons, water safety programs, training of judges and officials, increased equipment storage facilities as well as more workspace for staff.

“Surfing is an iconic Australian pastime and there are thousands and thousands of West Australians that regularly enjoy the thrill of surfing,” said Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane. “The new facilities will be critical to the continued delivery of world-class events, coaching and education programs and will ensure the future of the sport of surfing in WA.”

Surfing WA’s current headquarters has passed it’s used-by date and today’s announcement will help Surfing WA continue to support 31 boardriding clubs along the WA coastline, deliver a suite of local, state, national and international events and assist in the identification and training of the next generation of WA surfing heroes like Taj Burrow and Bronte Macaulay.

Mr Connelly today welcomed the funding commitment and said he’s proud to ensure WA’s home of surfing remains in his local area.

“As a keen surfer myself I know how much this major investment in facilities will enrich our local community, and continue to make Stirling the go-to surf destination in Perth,” said Mr Connelly. “The organisation deserves a dedicated, purpose-built facility to reflect its value to our coastal community, water education, and the contribution it makes to WA’s tourism sector and beach safety.”

“On behalf of all West Australian surfers, we would like to recognise  the contribution to the area by outgoing Minister Michael Keenan and the new Liberal candidate Vince Connelly,” said Surfing WA Chair Mike Best.  “Surfing WA began planning for new headquarters back in 2014 and we’re confident the Liberal Party’s announcement will create a groundswell of support for surfing right across WA.”

About Surfing Western Australia:
Surfing WA has been the governing body of surfing in WA since 1964, covering all surfing codes including long boarding, body boarding, stand up paddle boarding and short board surfing. Surfing WA hosts the annual World Surf League (WSL) Margaret River Pro surfing competition and runs local, regional and state contests throughout WA most weekends. In addition to teaching thousands of kids all over the state to surf each year, Surfing WA trains judges and officials, develops educational programs, works with elite surfers and future professionals and advocates for the sport all over WA. More info at www.surfingwa.com.au