AAP Surfers are pushing for a world surfing reserve between South Stradbroke Island and Coolangatta.

From Bondi in the east to Margaret River in the west, Australia's beaches remain an intrinsic part of Australia's lifestyle.

Uniquely, and despite their value and attraction, none of the country's 10,685 beaches is privatised.

Unlike parts of the Caribbean, Asia and United States, Australians anywhere can enjoy any beach, at any time.

It's that freedom to head to the coast that sparked a protest on the Gold Coast last month when 2500 people - including champion surfers Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson - took to the sand of Kirra amid rumours a developer was eyeing off the iconic beach for a possible cruise ship terminal and casino.

That proposal was quickly quashed by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman but the idea that one of Australia's beaches could be privatised clearly angered many.

Now it's been suggested that 40 kilometres of Gold Coast coastline - from South Stradbroke Island down to Coolangatta - be nominated as a world surfing reserve (WSR).

The WSR movement doesn't carry legislative protection but proponents feel the acknowledgement would give recreational surfers and other beachgoers more power to keep developers off beaches.

The WSR push is being promoted by the newly-formed Recreational Surfers Association, with Parkinson and Fanning acting as ambassadors for the establishment of a reserve on the Gold Coast.

WSR co-founder Brad Farmer says it's vital no beaches in Australia be given over to private hands.

Continued here:

New fight to protect Aussie beach culture