A community petition supported by Queenscliff Boardriders Club.

Queenscliff Beach is part of the Manly–Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, officially dedicated in 2012 as the third World Surfing Reserve in the world.

The 4km stretch from Fairy Bower to Freshwater was recognised for its surfing history, environmental value and iconic surf breaks.

Yet for over six months, Queenscliff has had virtually no surfable beachbreak waves.

A World Surfing Reserve with no waves.

After major swell and storm events, sand was stripped from the beach. That happens. Beaches recover.

But the way Manly Lagoon has recently been opened appears to be stopping that recovery.

When the lagoon flows on its natural course, close to the cliffs, sand is carried into the corner rip and pushed offshore. That process helps rebuild the sandbanks that create rideable waves.

Recent openings have been directed further along the shoreline. Instead of feeding offshore banks, sand is being pushed sideways and compacted along the beach.

The result:

• Close-out waves breaking straight onto the sand
• No functional offshore banks
• Degraded surf quality across the Manly strip
• Altered rip behaviour
• A coastline not recovering naturally

This is the worst many long-term locals have seen in decades.

Surfing here is not just recreation. It is daily life. It supports community health, junior development, surf clubs, local businesses and the identity of this coastline.

We are not against lagoon openings. We understand flooding, water quality and environmental pressures.

But the lagoon and Queenscliff Beach are connected systems. They must be managed as one.

We are calling for:

• Lagoon openings to follow the natural outlet alignment near the cliffs
• Immediate review of opening practices and timing
• Independent coastal assessment of downstream sand impacts
• Direct consultation with local surfers and long-term observers

Queenscliff is a globally recognised surf reserve.

It has always had sandbanks. It has always had waves.

If you have felt the loss of surf over the past six months, if you’ve watched the banks disappear, if you’ve seen our beach stop functioning the way it always has — this matters.

Sign this petition to show how deeply this has affected the local surf community.