Manly Observer:
State member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby is taking it further, travelling to Queensland to study the Gold Coast’s sand replenishment program and meet stakeholders around the Tweed River, a waterway whose management has long been held up as a model for protecting surf breaks.
She argues surfers bring irreplaceable citizen science to coastal policy discussions, and that State and Federal governments should be funding coastal management rather than leaving it to local councils.
“Surfers need to have a seat at the table for two reasons. Firstly, citizen science – whether it’s shark sightings or how beaches are impacted by erosion, surfers have knowledge of the ocean that is often missing in policy discussions. Secondly – surfing itself and preservation or enhancement of wave formation – needs to be a recognised desired outcome that is considered, particularly with issues like sea walls,” she said.
For QBC, the lagoon opening this morning is a start. Whether it marks a genuine turning point for the surf, or just a brief respite, will become clearer in the weeks ahead.
Jack Kelly