The Noosa Festival of Surfing is committed to responsible environmental and social practices that ensure a sustainable future for our event, the Noosa community, and the broader surfing culture. We recognise the importance of protecting our natural surroundings, including Noosa’s pristine beaches, waterways, and biosphere, while fostering a socially
inclusive and environmentally conscious event.
The Noosa Festival of Surfing event is managed by World Surfaris Events and Event Generals on behalf of the Noosa Malibu Club. The 9-day Festival programme includes surfing competition at First Point, Main Beach, or Sunrise Beaches, music, art, cultural exhibitions, a beach bar and charity events. Every year we expect approximately 400 unique competitors and thousands of visitors from Australia and around the world to enjoy the Festival held in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and Noosa World Surfing Reserve. The location has significant cultural, social and historical meaning to the traditional custodians, the Kabi-Kabi peoples, residents and surfers around the world.
As part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, we continue to measure and manage our environmental impact, including energy use, water consumption, and waste production. We actively collaborate with local environmental organisations and sustainability-focused partners to enhance our initiatives and engage our community in meaningful action. Our sustainable event management principles are Stewardship, Inclusivity, Integrity and Transparency.
Key sustainability commitments include:
- Reducing single-use plastics by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles such as Hydro Flask bottles, coffee cups, and plateware.
- Diverting waste from landfill through a comprehensive waste management system, including organics, recycling, refundable containers, and landfill bins.
- Donating container refunds via Container for Change to Noosa World Surfing Reserve.
- Partnering with Plastic Free Noosa and supporting initiatives that promote waste reduction and responsible consumption.
- Offsetting our carbon footprint through verified environmental projects and continuing our commitment to carbon neutrality.
Supporting local conservation and reforestation efforts to protect and restore vital ecosystem with the local reforestation project “Trees for Tourism” with Landcare and Tourism Noosa. - Prioritising partnerships with sustainable suppliers, vendors, and sponsors who align with our environmental values.
Ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and striving for best practices in sustainable event management with Noosa Council. - Appointing a Sustainability Officer and presenting a Sustainability Report with ongoing environmental performance, identification of risk, recording and monitoring of impacts and targets for improvement.
Each year, we will assess our sustainability performance and explore new ways to improve
our environmental impact. We encourage all competitors, staff, volunteers, visitors,
suppliers, and sponsors to join us in our commitment to sustainability and welcome feedback
to enhance our efforts.
Thank you for being part of a Festival that values sustainability and respects the natural
beauty of Noosa.
Signed
JOHN FINLAY, Director, World Surfaris
Noosa Festival of Surfing Event Manager
(This policy is a public document designed to be on display – a copy may be given to anyone. The organization invites staff, landowners, guests and the community to suggest ways to further achieve best practice environmental and social sustainability. This policy will be reviewed after the Festival and subsequently each year.)
