With an eye on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Sport Minister Mick de Brenni has used International Surfing Day to underline the Palaszczuk Government's support for surfing in Queensland.
Minister de Brenni said last November's announcement of a $150,000 partnership between the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Surfing Australia would soon be followed by further support for Queensland's elite surfing talent.
"Sports like surfing have traditionally missed out on attention from government, because they haven't fit neatly into our grant programs for things like club houses," said Mr de Brenni.
"Anyone who has ridden a wave knows how powerful the sport it is, so we've got an opportunity to help more people experience that.
"Surfing connects people, to our world class beaches, to each other and develops a life-long passion for staying active.
"Surfing will be an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2020 and we expect Queenslanders to play a significant role, both as athletes and as coaches – and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping them excel.
"That's why we're working closely with Surfing Queensland to find new ways of introducing people to the sport, holding more community events, uncovering new talent and providing additional support to our elite surfers to given them the tools they need to succeed at the highest level."
Chairman of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Andrew McKinnon said continued government support for surfing was a vital part of ensuring Queensland's rising stars keep pace on the world stage.
"International Surfing Day aligns perfectly with our goals as it creates awareness of the need to keep our oceans clean and adopt healthy, active surfing lifestyles," Mr McKinnon said.
"Australian surfing has never been more under attack, so having a Sports Minister who loves his sport, who can surf a shortboard and ride a bike and is serious about his commitment to get Australian surfing back on track, is inspirational."
Mr McKinnon said the Palaszczuk Government's support for next year's Global Wave Conference on the Gold Coast would also have a positive impact on the local surfing community.
"The event will shine a light on the growing threats to waves and surfing habitats across the globe and look at ways to make our coastal environments more sustainable," he said.
"More than 400 delegates are expected to attend the event, including environmental and social scientists, world surfing legends, conservationists and representatives from the surfing industry.
"Bede Durbidge, Head Coach for the Australian Team competing in the 2020 Olympics in Japan, has signed on as a guest speaker and will talk about surf coaching and our preparations for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
"There will also be a range of extra events, including an Industry and Innovation night at Surf World Surf Museum, workshops, photo and painting exhibitions, movie and music festivals."
To register for the Global Wave Conference 2020, visit: www.globalwaveconference2020.com.au
