Up to 300 competitors from all over the state, plus an equal number of supporters, as well as local surf lifesavers from across the region, are expected to converge on Woolgoolga for the championships.

“This is excellent news for Woolgoolga, which is ideally placed to offer the best beach conditions, surf club facilities, accommodation and dining needs for this prestigious competition,” Coffs Harbour Mayor, Keith Rhoades, said.

“It is estimated that each event could bring a cash injection of around $150,000 or more into the immediate local area. In addition, everyone who travels here for the championships will go home and spread the word on what a fantastic place the Coffs Coast is to visit.

“Each sports event like this has the potential to win us many, many more new visitors who return for a holiday or encourage others to visit.”

The championships will be held on Woolgoolga’s Main Beach. The beach’s protected location, its proximity to all local amenities and accommodation, the surf club’s facilities and reputation for good management of past IRB competitions, as well as the area’s excellent transport links, appear to have been the deciding factors in securing the event for the town.

“Winning the right to host these championships is a vote of confidence in Woolgoolga Surf Club and its members,” Woolgoolga Surf Club president Les Pepper said.

“Competitions like this also offer very valuable opportunities for young people to hone their lifesaving skills and we’ve got many members keen to take part.”

President of the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce, Greg Ray, said winning the championships was a feather in the cap of the Woolgoolga Surf Lifesaving Club, which he described as one of the best-run water safety, sport and youth development organisations on the Mid North Coast.

“The influx of visitors will stimulate the local economy and provide valuable brand awareness for Woolgoolga as an emerging tourist destination," he said.

"The local business community has always been a strong and active supporter of the surf club and we will work together to ensure the championships are an outstanding success.”