Deputy Premier Roger Cook welcomes Margaret River Pro competitors Bronte Macaulay and Jack Robinson

WA Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Roger Cook has personally wished local surf champs Bronte Macaulay and Jack Robinson the best of luck heading into tomorrow’s Margaret River Pro, talked up as a major economic boost to the State’s tourism economy. With prime conditions forecast for the 10-day contest, champions including world number one Carissa Moore and Felipe Toledo were on hand for the official unveiling this morning. Welcomed on country by Wadandi representatives Wayne and Zac Webb and artist Sandra Hill, the professional surfers spoke warmly about the Margaret River stop on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour as one of their favourites. Despite the looming spectre of a brutal midyear cut reducing the competitors to 18 spots in the men’s and 10 in the women’s division, surfers welcomed the contest at Margaret River and also hoped to soak up the region’s signature wineries and natural attractions. Moore said many of the professional athletes had “family” links to Margaret River, with she having stayed with locals Andrew and Michelle Sheridan and their children on-and-off during the past 12 years. While Macaulay was now in a fight to save her spot on the CT, 13th-placed Robinson already had a safe spot saving him from relegation to the challenger series — effectively forcing pro athletes to requalify for next year’s world tour. He told the Times he was heading into home territory after 10 months away on tour and feeling “good and light” now he was no longer a CT rookie. “Last night was probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had all year, back in my own bed,” he said. Noongar artist Hill unveiled a special limited-edition artwork gifted to the tour surfers as well as a kangaroo-skin jacket which will accompany the WSL athletes on the remainder of their tour as an invitation to indigenous surfers worldwide to visit Margaret River. Mr Cook said thanked the WSL for sticking by Margaret River despite the challenges of COVID-19 and reaffirmed Tourism WA’s support for the event which brought in 5000 extra visitors during April at a value of more than $6 million. “This is a world-class sporting event being held right on our doorstep in one of the most special parts of WA,” he said. “The next 10 days promise to deliver competitive sport at the highest level in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth. “The McGowan Government is proud to support this amazing event which will showcase our South West to a global audience and generate millions of dollars for local businesses in the region,” the Minister said. “We warmly welcome the competitors, their teams and spectators to the South West and encourage them to explore the region’s stunning coastline, rolling vineyards, award-winning restaurants and all-around warm hospitality.” This year’s Pro is the first in a new three-year sponsorship agreement with the WSL. Mr Cook said the WSL’s midyear cut raised the stakes and guaranteed the eyes of the world would be on the Margaret River region as the Pro continued until May 4.