Western Australia Margaret River Pro Takes Shape

The Western Australia Margaret River Pro is set to return from 11 to 21 April.

The world's top professional surfers will compete for 11 days at Surfers Point in Prevelly. Bringing a host of benefits to the region as a world-class tourism and surfing destination, the event will also deliver gains for local businesses and the community while giving environmental initiatives a boost.

The Western Australia Margaret River Pro is one of only two Australian events on the World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour (CT), with the WSL successful late last year in their application to hold the Margaret River Pro in the shire for the next five years.

With an estimated injection of $8.1 million into the regional economy, $550,000 of event spend within the Shire, and $260,000 spent with accommodation providers in the Shire, based on an economic impact study held by the WSL in 2022, the local impact is significant.

Shire President Julia Meldrum said the benefits of the event were wide-reaching, with the event live-streamed across the globe and the event site coming to life at Surfers Point, plus satellite events playing an important role on the ground.

"The WSL has been working with the Margaret River Business Network, MRBTA and the Shire to connect local businesses and the greater Augusta Margaret River community to this year's Western Australia Margaret River Pro," she said. "Local contractors have been used where possible, and there are a number of venues that will become 'live sites' this year, including The River Hotel, Settlers Tavern and The Common, where you can watch all the action on screen."

For those watching the action in person at Surfers Point, local food trucks, including Hooked Up Fish and Chips, Little Hand Dim Sum Dumpling House, The Local Squeeze and Little Sip Margaret River, will keep spectators fuelled up to see the world's best hit their local break.

The WSL is also working with Surfing WA to run several events, including the Rising Tides Girls Program, Healthway's Think Mental Health Workshop and behind-the-scenes tours with local schools and community groups, in addition to the Western Australia Board Caddy Program, and inclusion of local board riders clubs, sports clubs and volunteers.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is a biodiversity hotspot, and the WSL has shown their commitment to this by partnering with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, implementing a zero single-use plastic policy, and hosting environmental forums and workshops onsite.

The WSL has also funded Nature Conservation Margaret River Region with grant funding to establish a new program to build a culture of coastal stewardship with local youth aged 15-18. The project will engage a diverse range of local leaders, mentors, and cultural custodians to teach coastal conservation, cultural awareness, ocean stewardship, and water safety around Margaret River.

"The World Surf League is thrilled to be returning to WA's South West for the 2024 Western Australia Margaret River Pro," said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. "This is one of the most unique and picturesque stops on our global tour, consistently delivering powerful and challenging conditions for our athletes who always impress us with what is possible on big open ocean waves. WSL works closely with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River as well as a number of other local and state organisations in WA. We look forward to continuing to grow these partnerships into the future as we all strive to make this one of WA's best annual international sporting events year-on-year and one the local community can be proud of."

Julia said the Western Australia Margaret River Pro is setting the bar high this year, showing how international events can create meaningful connections on the ground. "The Western Australia Margaret River Pro are really showcasing how an international event can promote our region's natural beauty while also playing a part in protecting it for future generations and supporting local businesses, community groups, volunteers and young people as well. I can't wait to see all the action of this year's event unfold at Surfers Point and encourage all those coming to see the Pro to tread lightly on Boodja and leave only footprints," she said.

Locals can expect to see the event site start taking shape from 25 March. For information about access to Surfers Point and the Rivermouth visit our website.

Follow @WSL on social media or download the WSL app to get notified if the event is called "ON", "OFF", or "ON HOLD" for the day.

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