A three-year agreement between Kiama Council and Surfing NSW has guaranteed five major surf events will be held annually at beaches in the Kiama Municipality.
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The council estimates the direct and indirect economic impact to Kiama’s economy would be in the vicinity of $370,000 per year, with the added advantage of having the majority of events held outside Kiama’s peak tourist season.
Additionally, Surfing NSW is looking into nominating Kiama to host a 2018 World Surf League World Junior Championship event.
Kiama will also become the venue for a number of Surfing NSW education and coaching programs.
Under the three-year agreement, the council will provide $36,000 in sponsorship plus accommodation for 16 staff and officials for 10 nights per year.
Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said the agreement gave the council an opportunity to leverage on other tourism opportunities and packages built around these events.
‘‘We have found Surfing NSW to be very good operators and very professional,’’ Cr Petschler said.
‘‘The economic spin-off we have had from hosting previous events has been quite significant,’’ he said.
Surfing NSW events to be held at Kiama over the next three years are:
- Australian Boardriders Battle (January) - 72 participants
- NSW Regional Junior Surfing Titles (February) - 60 participants
- Summer Surf Series (April) - 100 participants
- NSW Bodyboard Titles (May) - 110 participants
- Surfer Groms Competition (October) - 110 participants