The Tweed Coast will host some of Australia’s top surfers with the popular World Surf League Tour to stage the first qualifying series of 2023 on the Tweed Coast, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund Round Two.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said a $350,000 grant would allow the popular event, which determines who qualifies for the next stage of the World Surf League Tour to once again be hosted in the Tweed Coast region.
“This event will be a great opportunity for locals and visitors to see some of Australia’s most talented surfers doing what they do best on the stunning Tweed Coast,” Mr Toole said.
“The 2023 Tweed Coast Pro will build on the success of the 2021 and 2022 events, which saw about 20,000 surf fans flock to the region to support their favourite surfers. The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is serious about supporting high-profile events like this because they showcase regional NSW and pump money into the local economy.
“Previous World Surf League events have attracted visitors from around the country, and with the event being live streamed around the world, this event is a fantastic opportunity to promote this region.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.
“We know that this event puts heads on beds, fills restaurants and cafés, and helps drive growth in our region,” Mr Provest said.
“The lineup of this event sends a very clear message that the Tweed is back better than ever.”
World Surf League Asia Pacific President Andrew Stark said he is excited to see the 2023 Aussie leg get underway in February at the Tweed Coast Pro Qualifying Series and Pro Junior events.
“It’s going to be a massive few months of professional surfing action around Australia and it will all get underway here on the Tweed Coast once again,” Mr Stark said.
“The event will bring over 100 competitors and support staff into the area as well as shine a light on the beauty of the Tweed Coast through our global live broadcast. We’d like to thank the NSW Government and regional NSW for coming onboard to support this event once again along with the Tweed Coast Shire and local community.”
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities. The 2023 World Surf League
Tweed Coast Pro will be held at Cabarita Beach from Friday, 10 February through to Thursday, 16 February 2023. For further information go to: nsw.gov.au/REAFund.