Margaret River Pro

Council has unanimously approved the World Surf League’s application to hold the Margaret River Pro in the Shire for the next five years (2024-2028 inclusive).

In making the decision, Council considered 141 submissions made through the Shire’s public consultation process as well as the success of the event over the past 39 years and its community and economic benefits. It was also noted the WSL had worked with Shire staff to respond to concerns raised via public consultation and had considered how the event site is activated, prioritising procurement from local businesses and support of local community groups and conservation efforts.

The WSL have agreed to make several improvements to the event set-up process which will maximise the amount of public parking available and maintain access to Surfers Point. Local surfers will be able to surf main break everyday except when the competition is running. Should the set-up need to occur over Easter, work will be paused and the carparks to be reopened over the busy long weekend.

View the Surfers Point Impact Plan for more information on access restrictions for the 2024 event.

In line with previous years, provision has been made for a licensed area which will helps local police manage spectator drinking on site.

The WSL also clarified that North Point would only be used as a back-up location if conditions meant the Pro could not run at Main Break or The Box. Additional sign-off from the Shire will be required before the event can go ahead in Gracetown.

Key points:

• The application is for 5 years from 2024 to 2028 (inclusive);
• The event is proposed to be held at Surfers Point for a maximum of 31 days (including set-up and pack-down) between 1 March and 30 June each year. In the event Easter falls within the 31 days a 4 day extension is proposed;
• The event surfing window is 11 days (competition usually operates for 5-6 days - weather dependent);
• If required due to poor weather conditions, the event will be held at North Point in Gracetown for a maximum of 2 days with event infrastructure to remain for a maximum of 6 days (including set-up and pack-down);
• The public can access all beaches throughout the event;
• Recreational boats will be able to access all boat ramps during the event;
• A licenced area will be located at Surfers Point;
• Event Infrastructure will be set-up in and around the carpark of Surfers Point and at the Gracetown boat ramp carpark; and
• Public car parking areas proposed are the same as the 2023 event, at the following locations: corner of Wallcliffe and Surfers Point Road, Riflebutts Reserve and carpark, reserve on Mitchell Drive Prevelly, and Mcleods Paddock – 622 Wallcliffe Road.

WSL will also deliver a range of community and environmental initiatives including:

• WSL One Ocean restoration program with local conservation groups;
• No single use plastic on-site;
• General, recycling, compost and cash for cans waste programs on-site;
• Engage local suppliers, businesses and staff to help deliver the event;
• Local trials event for Western Australian athletes to compete in the main event;
• Rising Tides program for young female surfers to surf with WSL athletes;
• Healthway and Surfing WA Mental Health Workshop for Boardriders Clubs;
• Frontline Services Evening;
• Engage Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Margaret River and Busselton Tourism Association to promote local businesses, local wine producers and service providers;
• Engage local food vendors; and
• Opportunities for local wineries to promote their products at the event and to wider audiences.

How to find out more about the proposal

• View the Surfers Point Site Plan.
• View the North Point Site Plan.
• View the Event Traffic Management Plan for Surfers Point and North Point.

How can I have my say?

Consultation has closed for this project.

For more information, please contact Planning Officer, Lucy Gouws, lgouws@amrshire.wa.gov.au or 9780 5204.