Norah Head National Surfing Reserve (NHNSR) is a key stakeholder affected by the proposed Hunter Offshore Renewable Energy Area (HOREA). However, the consultation process for the Central Coast area of the zone was flawed and insufficient, failing to provide a genuine opportunity for the community to have appropriate and meaningful consultation. NHNSR was not identified as a critical stakeholder in the process or consulted.
A National Surfing Reserve accreditation signifies an “iconic” place of intrinsic environmental, heritage, sporting and cultural value to a nation, which satisfies three crucial criteria:
1. High-quality surfing waves.
2. A place considered sacred by the local and national surfing community.
3. A significant long-term history of the beach and wave environment being used by the local and national surfing community, including First Nations People, surf life-saving clubs, board riding, and any other clubs in the community.
The NHNSR was dedicated on the 26th of November, 2022, after two years of working with the key stakeholders and the community. It is the 24th such Reserve and the only one on the Central Coast of NSW. This accreditation recognises the area’s pristine coastline and classic, world-class breaks offered in the NHNSR. This unique ribbon of coastline includes nine beach breaks, two-point breaks, three bomboras and two reef breaks. It has nurtured State and National champions on both shortboards and longboards. It is cherished by both locals and visitors alike. The NHNSR has received endorsement in both the Federal and State Parliament.
NHNSR supports Australia’s and many of the world’s leading countries’ target of net zero by 2050 and responsible, effective, and adequately considered clean energy initiatives by governments, businesses, and the general community. We also acknowledge the Australian Prime Minister’s international leaders’ pledge to take decisive action on the dual crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change, working together to protect and conserve the world’s land, sea, waterways and cultural heritage for future generations. However. pursuing a clean environment CANNOT be at the cost of the environment itself, particularly the unspoiled coastline and classic breaks offered in the NHNSR.
The NSW Department of Lands, fully supports the National Surfing Reserve initiative and has been working in partnership with communities and the National Surfing Reserves Board to create these reserves under the Crown Lands Act 1989.
NHNSR’s mission is to act as stewards of the beaches, breaks and dunes to preserve Norah Head’s rich surfing culture and heritage for future generations. We intend to support the respectful and sustainable use of the fragile coastline from Hargraves Beach to Pelican Point by promoting the values of: “SHARE, RESPECT, and PRESERVE” in the community.
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