Surfing the economic benefits

Bass Coast Shire Council said the benefits of hosting the Phillip Island Pro extends beyond the surfing community.

The event has been held annually on Phillip Island since 2017 and was most recently staged at Cape Woolamai from February 10 to 13.

Council said the estimated economic benefit of the 2019 Phillip Island was $217,300 over the four days of the event and this year around 2000 spectators attended over the four-day event.

Council has been a major sponsor and presenting partner of the event since its inception, and in November 2021 entered into a partnership agreement with Surfing Victoria to secure the Phillip Island Pro for another three years, until at least 2024.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said Council is proud of its longstanding partnership with the event

“We are delighted to be the major sponsor and presenting partner of an iconic event for our region,” Cr Whelan said.

“For this year’s event, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai businesses were able to offer competitors and event staff gift vouchers to use at local businesses, as part of the Phillip Island Pro QS1000 event voucher program, which was funded by the state government.

Cr Whelan said the vouchers, which were valid until February 26 helped "to boost the economic impact of the event and raise awareness of how our local businesses can capitalise on our significant events calendar".

The Phillip Island Pro will return to Cape Woolamai in November.