Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) can confirm that the 2025 Queensland Surf Life Saving Youth Championships scheduled to be held at Tugun from 13-16 March, will be cancelled, due to impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and low pressure that remains across the south-east Queensland region.

While alternative beaches were reviewed by the Carnival Committee, significant beach erosion combined with poor water quality and high levels of debris, were are all factors considered to determine whether the event could be delivered safely. The south-east Queensland region remains on a ‘watch and act’ flood warning, with significant rain fall also impacting the organiser's ability to put in place the necessary infrastructure needed to deliver the event.

Safety of competitors and officials is first and foremost when making the decision to cancel the competition. Carnival officials have carried out the necessary risk assessments and have been liaising with Gold Coast City Council.

Surf Life Saving Queensland Surf Sports Officer, Nigel Ward said: “Today’s decision to cancel the 2025 Queensland Surf Life Saving Youth Championships has not been made lightly and we know a lot of members will be deeply disappointed.

“Our ability to deliver the event safely is our number one priority.  Taking into account issues around water quality, beach erosion and the level of debris being experienced along the Gold Coast, and likely to be felt for days to come, the Carnival Committee deemed it not possible to be able to deliver the event safely.

“An event the size of the Queensland Surf Life Saving Youth Championships requires a lot of infrastructure, both on the beach and back of the beach, and there is no indication as to if or when our teams would be able to deliver that infrastructure.

“We remained optimistic that the following Tropical Cyclone Alfred we would be able to deliver the event.  But poor conditions continuing to be felt as a result of the tropical low are not only dampening clean up efforts around the region, including restoring power, but resulting in poor water quality and high risk of more flooding.

“We want to thank members for their patience as the Carnival Committee worked through their risk assessments and liaised with local authorities in determining this decision,” he said.

Surf Life Saving Queensland sends its thoughts to all members impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and those members that continue to support emergency services in the ongoing response efforts.