Beachley backs push for Olympic surf gold

Seven-time world champion Layne Beachley says gunning for gold is the only option as surfing prepares for its Olympic debut in 2020.

Former world surfing champion Layne Beachley says going for gold is the only option at the Olympics. (AAP)

Seven-time world champion Layne Beachley is comfortable with Surfing Australia's multi-million dollar performance centre being nicknamed "the gold medal factory" ahead of the sport's Olympic debut in 2020.

Work begins on a $6 million expansion at the northern NSW training centre on Wednesday, dignitaries making their ambitions clear at Tuesday's launch.

Beachley said there was enough depth in talent to suggest Australia could win both men's and women's gold at the Tokyo Games and that the high pressure approach would sit well with the sport's prospective Olympians.