Research reveals surf breaks are on the frontline of threats that could undermine access to and enjoyment of our famous beaches

Steph Curley glides atop the water on a 9ft, locally shaped long board. A sea turtle bobs among a couple of dozen surfers off a rocky headland in Noosa – dolphins frolic further out.

Curley angles her single fin towards the boulder-strewn point and paddles on to a two-foot wave. The wave breaks steeply at first, but as Curley swings her big blue board towards the pandanus palms and tea trees that line the shore and give the bay its name, the wave peels gently, offering up a long, luxurious ride.

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