June 29, 2023
The peak body for surfing in Australia has joined the emissions reduction fight.
Surfing Australia, a non-partisan body which supports hundreds of boardrider clubs across coastal Australia, will enter an historic partnership with Surfers for Climate and will also support a Bill to end all new offshore oil and gas in NSW.
Ahead of an expert roundtable at NSW Parliament House today urging MPs from all sides to support the Coalition’s bill to end new offshore oil and gas projects in NSW waters, Surfing Australia CEO, Chris Mater said:
“Surfing Australia seeks to proactively protect our playgrounds to ensure great waves for generations to come through our environmental partnership with Surfers for Climate. We have to reduce emissions this decade to protect our unique Aussie way of life. Surfing Australia needs to take a stand on an issue like this, as this issue matters to surfers and the Australian way of life.
“I’m thrilled to be here today representing Australia’s peak surfing body to support this Bill proposed by the NSW Coalition. It’s an important step in stopping new offshore oil and gas projects in NSW waters. Surfing Australia would love to see all State and Federal Governments follow suit. That’s why we’re joining forces with Surfers for Climate who have been campaigning to protect our coastlines for years. We need to draw a line in the sand on all these offshore projects.”
Mr Mater said surfing was one of Australia’s fastest growing participation sports.
“Surfing is enjoyed by over 2.5 million people who are passionate about keeping our oceans and their favourite surf breaks healthy. We’ve seen huge growth in the sport over recent years and it’s a trend that we expect will continue.”
Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers for Climate, said: “Reducing our carbon emissions and protecting our oceans and coastlines is important to all Aussies, not just surfers.
“Opposition to new offshore oil and gas projects, like PEP 11, is overwhelming. We don’t need more carbon emitting oil and gas, because we already have the solutions with clean, renewable energy.”
Multiple tour event winner and Deputy Chair of Surfing Australia, Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan, who will be joining Surfers for Climate as part-time Strategy and Partnerships Manager said: “85% of Australians live within 50km of the coast - we play there, and we work there - the ocean is an integral part of our way of life. We must protect our coastline and unique Aussie way of life.”
Media contacts:
Josh Kirkman, CEO Surfers for Climate: 0421 594 487
Natalie Schenken, Communications and Digital Marketing Manager Surfing Australia: 0417 307 869
