September 6, 2019 Margaret River Pro date change makes sense Shadow Minister for Tourism Libby Mettam says the World Surf League’s decision to move next year’s Margaret River Pro surfing event from April to May makes perfect sense for a number of reasons. “Having this event in May will take advantage of the best surf conditions the South West has to offer, will be after the salmon run and will give international surfers time to go home between the east coast and west coast events,” Ms Mettam said. “Traditionally, May has the first big swell of year and we still get clean conditions, so most surfers believe May is the best month of the year to surf in the South West. “This is also fantastic news for our region’s local businesses which will see an extension of their Easter Trading period. “The move to May also means there won’t be the problem of sharks being attracted to the salmon run.” Ms Mettam cautioned, however, that the State Government still had to resolve the issue of whale carcasses being left in the water and attracting sharks. “We have had a situation at the moment where there has been a whale carcass on the rocks at Canal Rocks for more than a week now, attracting sharks and closing beaches,” she said. “The State Government must get on top of this and the solution can be as simple as engaging local fishers to move the carcasses out to sea when they come to shore.” Ms Mettam said Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane was to be congratulated for stepping up to the challenge and negotiating a great solution that would allow the event to stay in Margaret River and for the region to continue to enjoy the direct economic benefits and the international exposure the event brings Media Contact |
