On Saturday 1 May 2021, at 10am, the Killalea National Surfing Reserve Committee will attempt to beat the world record of over 511 participants in a paddle out, at 'The Farm' National Surfing Reserve, in protest to the proposed development at this unique and pristine area of the NSW south coast.
Killalea State Park covers over 265ha with 8kms of coastline including frontage onto the Minnamurra River. The paddle out will coincide with a rally to be held afterwards, organised by the Save Killalea Alliance.
The current world record paddle out was achieved by the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach, California, USA, on 20 June 2017.
Organiser of the world record attempt and Chair of the KNSR Committee, Chris Homer, is hoping that the paddle out and rally will show the growing support to protect 'The Farm' National Surfing Reserve for future generations.
Reflections Holiday Parks, the current managers of Killalea, are proposing to build a 200- seat function/conference centre, restaurant, and luxury eco-cabins.
"This fundamentally changes the unique character of 'The Farm', which was declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2009 and has been enjoyed and loved by generations of locals and visitors" Mr Homer said adding that "it's time for Killalea State Park to go back to a community-based trust as the current professional trust held by Reflections Holiday Parks has failed to satisfy community expectations in this role, particularly in regard to the recent development proposal".
Brad Farmer AM is the founder of both Surfrider Foundation and National Surfing Reserves. He will be speaking on Saturday and is regarded as Australia's foremost beach expert and advocate. Mr Farmer is calling on the surfing MP, Rob Stokes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister Melissa Pavey, and the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to visit the site to meet with locals and reaffirm that the government is not selling off its coastal assets.
"As one of the favourite National Surfing Reserves in NSW the Farm should be protected according to the state gazetted provisions under the Crown Lands Act," Mr Farmer said adding that "coastal users were given an assurance this sacred surfing site would be safe for generations to come."
Peter Moran, Convenor of the Save Killalea Alliance added:
"The environmental, cultural and social values of Killalea should not be put at risk to satisfy the commercial needs of the current managers. The park currently attracts 30,000 visitors per month, drawn by Killalea's serenity and unspoilt nature, including endangered ecological communities. Why would you want to endanger that?"
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