Phillip Island elevated to iconic surfing status

Phillip Island has been declared Victoria's first National Surfing Reserve becoming part of the self-funded voluntary collaboration dedicated to recognising and protecting iconic surfing sites in Australia and globally.

Phillip Island's new status was declared today (Saturday 16th March by Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith along with Australian surfing greats including seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley and current world junior surfing champion Nikki Van Dijk.

Minister Smith stated "Phillip Island's natural attractions Including world-class beaches, outstanding surfing conditions, its long-standing surfing culture and its wonderful flora and fauna make it worthy of becoming Victoria's first-ever National Surfing Reserve."

Minister Smith said the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve was made up of four sites along the island's coastline Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay, adding "these sites are recognised throughout Australia and the world and attract tens of thousands of surfers and tourists each year, bringing money to the Victorian and local economy and supporting local employment."

Phillip Island is the 18th National Surfing Reserve in Australia, with other reserves including Maroubra, Margaret River, Cronulla, Currumbin and Burleigh Heads. Victoria's other world acclaimed surfing site Bells Beach is classified as a 'Surfing Recreation Reserve'.

For more information go to www.surfingreserves.org

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