Ocean Beach proposed for lifesaving champs

Ocean Beach and Umina Beach are being proposed as the venue for the State's lifesaving championships in 2012.

Gosford Council has resolved to submit an expression of interest submission in partnership with Wyong Shire Council to host the event as one of three consecutive NSW Surf Life Saving Championships to be held on the Coast.

They are proposing that the 2011 championships be held at Shelly Beach and North Entrance Beach in Wyong Shire.

The councils would seek to host the 2013 championships based on the success of the previous two events.

According to a council report, Ocean Beach and Umina Beach have been identified as "the most suitable" location for the event in the Gosford Local Government Area while Shelly Beach and North Entrance Beach were suggested as possible locations in Wyong Shire.

Council also resolved to outline the funding split between Gosford and Wyong councils and options to fund the hosting fee of $60,000 in a report if its submission proved successful.

"The NSW Surf Life Saving Championships is a major event which attracts large numbers of competitors and supporters to the local area," the council report stated.

"The economic gain to the local community from hosting the event is estimated to be a minimum of $18 million based on statistics from Tourism Australia.

"It is recommended that council apply to host the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships in partnership with Wyong Shire Council and Surf Life Saving Central Coast."

Council met with Wyong Shire Council, Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Central Coast officers on July 7, to discuss the proposed expression of interest to host the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

"Based on these discussions, it is proposed to host the 2011 Championships in Wyong Shire and 2012 Championships in the Gosford Local Government Area," the report stated.

"The 2013 championships are only listed as a third year option based on the success of the previous two years.

"If successful in gaining the 2011 and 2012 championships and the third year option was offered, a report would be prepared for council consideration in 2012 detailing the SLSNSW preferred location for 2013 and the associated costs."

According to figures from last year's championships held at Blacksmiths Beach, the event attracted more than 12,000 visitors to the area each day.

Council agenda CIT. 37, 4 Aug 2009