Sutherland Shire Council has welcomed the declaration of its Cronulla Beaches as a National Surfing Reserve.
The Cronulla Beaches comprise seven unique surfing locations, encompassing 370 hectares and nine kilometres of pristine coastline in metropolitan Sydney.
The declaration of the Cronulla Beaches National Surfing Reserve legally protects the beaches as iconic surfing reserves and enables the formation of a reserve under the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Director General of the Department of Lands, Warwick Watkins, announced the dedication in September at a ceremony held on the shores of North Cronulla Beach.
Former Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor David Redmond, joined Warwick Watkins as well as National Surfing Reserve Committee Founder and Chairman, Brad Farmer, and local surfing legend, Mark Occhilupo, to unveil a commemorative plaque reflecting the declaration.
Dedicated committee members representing local surfing groups and Council’s four surf lifesaving clubs worked alongside Sutherland Shire and the Department of Lands to secure the dedication. Councillor Redmond said a strong sense of community pride has come from the official gazetting.
“Retaining and preserving the natural environment of our coastal areas where everyone enjoys the beaches is very important to our Shire’s lifestyle,” he said. “That is why we have worked so hard as a community to secure this special status for our unique surfing breaks.
“The Cronulla Coast and its beaches have been a tourist destination for more than 100 years and surfing has played an instrumental role in the growth of Cronulla and Sutherland Shire. Our beautiful stretches of sand and famous surf breaks combine to create an iconic location that attracts locals and visitors from around the world.”
The New South Wales Government has now committed $100,000 for a new state park inclusive of the reserve and nearby Crown land.
In addition, the dedication of the National Surfing Reserve has been celebrated in the release of a specially produced booklet, which details the history of surfing in the Shire.
The book includes special messages from some of the Shire’s favourite sons and daughters, such as former world champion Mark Occhilupo; marathon swimmer Susie Maroney; local
surf lifesaving hero Steve Warren; and author of the famed Puberty Blues, Kathy Lette.
