A new discussion paper is calling for the North Coast’s surf clubs, surf breaks and coastal assets to be recognised as visitor economy infrastructure, opening a regional conversation about how they are planned for, invested in and protected.
Released by Destination North Coast (DNC) NSW, What Is A Wave Worth? Recognising Surf Clubs and Surf Ecosystems as Visitor Economy Infrastructure examines how appropriate, community-led activation could help surf lifesaving clubs generate sustainable revenue, strengthen facilities and support their core lifesaving purpose, while retaining local character and public beach access.
The paper comes amid growing evidence of surfing’s economic value, with Australian National University research estimating national surf-related expenditure at $2.71 billion a year.
The North Coast stretches across more than 600 kilometres of coastline from Hawks Nest to Tweed Heads and includes hundreds of surf breaks, 33 surf lifesaving clubs and three National Surfing Reserves. The paper argues these natural and community assets are central to the region’s appeal and economy but are not yet consistently recognised in planning and investment frameworks.
“We routinely recognise roads, airports and major venues as visitor economy infrastructure. On the North Coast, waves, beaches and surf clubs are also part of what attracts visitors, supports businesses and shapes community life, but they are not consistently recognised in the same way.” DNC chair John O’Neill.
“While our paper is a contribution to discussion and not a delivery program, it asks a practical question: if these assets already create social and economic value, how can planning, investment and governance better recognise that value while protecting the very qualities that make our coastline special?”
Rather than proposing a single model, What Is A Wave Worth? outlines a spectrum of options surf clubs could consider according to their location, facilities and community priorities. These range from visitor information, improved wayfinding and cafe pop-ups to surf education, guided coastal activities, wellness experiences, events, dining, function spaces and, in suitable locations, accommodation.
“The aim is not to turn every surf club into a restaurant or event venue. While each club and community should determine what is appropriate, any commercial activity should support lifesaving and community service, preserve local character and maintain public access to the beach,” O’Neill said.
Several North Coast clubs already demonstrate the opportunity. Following a $3.9 million redevelopment, Woolgoolga SLSC recorded $259,737 in revenue in 2024-25, including income from events and venue hire. Coffs Harbour SLSC has commissioned a staged masterplan for expanded dining and functions, as well as potential long-term ecotourism accommodation.
“The opportunity is not hypothetical. Some clubs are already generating meaningful revenue and others have strong plans, but we know that tenure, approvals and community alignment need to be considered from the very beginning.” said DNC general manager Michael Thurston.
The paper identifies Crown land tenure as the most significant factor shaping club development. It raises options for discussion, including more streamlined Plan of Management amendments, clearer early pathways for native title requirements and a more enabling commercial tenancy framework for community surf club facilities, without removing environmental, cultural heritage or public-access protections.
“Clubs should not reach the end of a major redevelopment before discovering that the intended community and visitor uses are not permitted. A clearer, earlier and coordinated pathway would help clubs make better decisions, reduce risk and develop stronger funding applications,” Thurston said.
The paper’s release coincides with the NSW Government’s 2026-27 Surf Club Facility Program, with clubs able to apply for a share of $5.5 million to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof facilities. The discussion paper may help clubs identify and articulate future development priorities and strengthen funding strategies when relevant opportunities arise.
“No club is too small and no idea too early for this conversation. We invite surf clubs and surf reserve communities, government, councils, Traditional Custodians, surfing bodies, researchers and industry partners to consider the opportunity together,” Thurston said.
What Is A Wave Worth? was informed by engagement with North Coast surf clubs, Surf Life Saving NSW, Crown Lands NSW, Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia and Southern Cross University.
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