• Margaret River Pro World Championship status extended
• Supported by the State Government to help boost local jobs
• Event delivers $5.4 million in annual economic impact to the South-West

The Margaret River Pro will remain a top-tier surfing event after the World Surf League agreed to keep it as part of the Championship Tour (CT). 

As the event's five-year contract came to an end this year, there was speculation it may be dropped from the CT but extensive campaigning by the McGowan Government, Surfing WA and professional surfers has resulted in at least a two-year extension.  

The State Government, through Tourism Western Australia, has been a proud sponsor of the Margaret River Pro for more than 30 years.

Since 2014, the event has featured on the World Surf League's CT, making it Western Australia's only regular world championship surfing event.

It attracts the world's best surfers, including Kelly Slater, John Florence, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore, as well as visiting international and local media and thousands of spectators.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:

"The McGowan Government stood by Surfing WA throughout negotiations to ensure we retained the exciting event on the Championship Tour.

"High-profile international events such as the Margaret River Pro inject millions of dollars into the economy, which in turn creates jobs.

"Along with the thousands of spectators, competitors and officials who head to Margaret River for the event, a massive global audience follows the world-class surfing action."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"This is fantastic exposure for the region's stunning coastline, natural wonders and powerful surf breaks.

"The Margaret River Pro delivers $5.4 million in annual economic impact to the South-West region."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

"Retaining the Margaret River Pro leg of the Championship Tour is so important for WA's professional surfers and our next generation of champions.

"The Margaret River Pro's junior competition events provide an opportunity for our best up-and-comers to compete while rubbing shoulders with the best male and female surfers in the world."