April 4, 2012 - GRANDSTAND - P5
News
Coast to host State Championships in 2013 and 2014 Courtesy Peninsula News
cean and Umina Beaches have prevailed against six formidable destinations to host the NSW Junior, Masters and Open NSW Surf Life Saving Championships in 2013 and 2014.
O
It was announced by NSW Surf Life Saving that Umina and Ocean Beach would host the event for the next two years, following the relevant Council approvals and the signing of formal agreements The event runs over seven days and encompasses two consecutive weekends in March. The event is expected to attract over 8000 competitors. Central Coast Tourism’s chief executive officer Mr Ollie Philpot said being the host destination for such a high profile event provides substantial benefits for the region. “This world-class event will no doubt catapult the Central Coast as a preeminent destination for a beach holiday and a serious contender for other State and National events. Overall, the event is expected to inject an estimated $36 million into the local economy over the two years that Ocean and Umina Beaches have been locked in to host this event. “With an influx of thousands of competitors and their families, our local tourism operators and other businesses should see this as a bonanza for their business during a traditionally off-peak period,” continued Philpot. Central Coast Tourism’s business and tourism events manager Mr Chris
King said he would be working closely with both Gosford Council and Wyong Council to deliver a successful event which would be key in leveraging the profile of the Central Coast as a host destination for other State and National Championships. Mayor of Gosford Cr Laurie Maher said that hosting the Championships would provide a great boost for tourism and small business in Umina Beach and surrounding areas. “With an influx of visitors before, during and after the competition period, businesses in the area will benefit from a major increase in customers. “Competitors, their families and spectators from around NSW will be utilising short term accommodation and numerous other services during their stay. “It is anticipated that the Championships will generate an estimated $18 million [per year] for the host City, an exciting prospect for the Umina Beach area. “Surf Life Savers from across the state will be able to see firsthand the significant investment that Council has made into infrastructure to support beach safety and the maintenance of the beautiful beaches we enjoy in the Gosford Local Government Area,” said Cr Maher. Gosford Council’s manager of open space and leisure services Mr Phil Moore said Council would be providing in-kind support during the event. “In partnership with Central Coast Tourism, NSW and Central Coast Surf Life Saving, Council Officers will be working to
CA H NOW! We lend
$300 - $2000 Pensioners & Unemployed OK We try to help everyone
4325 0444 www.cityfinance.com.au
Packaged loan & goods product. Conditions apply. Australian Credit Licence 390591.
provide a safe and enjoyable event for competitors and spectators. “Council will be providing a number of beach vehicles, fencing, lighting and access services for the event, with Central Coast tourism providing assistance to spectators and competitors in securing accommodation and other services,” said Mr Moore. Surf Life Saving NSW president Mr Tony Haven said Umina and Ocean
Beach would provide a world-class venue for the state’s premier surf sports event, which attracts more than 8000 competitors. “Gosford City Council has been very supportive of this event and the location is ideal, close to the majority of competitors, with great accommodation options and easy access. “The facilities available to competitors and the overall support
from Gosford City Council were major factors in selecting Umina and Ocean Beach to host of the event ahead of six other Councils who expressed interest in hosting the event. “Both clubs also have a wealth of experience in conducting successful surf events on a large scale, with the 2005 Championships held here at Umina and Ocean Beach one of our most successful to date with over 800 entrants,” said Mr Haven.