Safety boost for Pacific Palms Surf Club

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new storage room will provide faster access to life-saving equipment, improving beach safety.

“Our surf life savers do a fantastic job patrolling our beaches , they give up their time and put in a tremendous effort and I’m incredibly proud that we are supporting them given their support for our community,” Mr Toole said.

“I know what a difference projects like this make to the lives of locals, whether it’s upgrading the local sporting fields, building a new skate park or upgrading the local surf club,” Mr Toole said.

“Since 2017, more than 2,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund projects have been funded across all regional NSW Local Government Areas that make a positive difference to female sport, local communities and surrounding areas.”

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the funding boost from the Stronger Country Communities Fund would benefit beachgoers who enjoy the popular stretch of sand at Elizabeth Beach, which is home to local Nippers and ocean swim events.

“This funding will help to construct a dedicated storage room for flotation devices, jet skis and radios, which will mean our life-savers can access what they need quickly, and respond faster in emergencies,” Mr Bromhead said.

“It will also see a realignment of the external stairs and a makeover for the club entry and foyer to make the venue’s auditorium, kitchen and meetings rooms more accessible to even more community members.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the work built on the $280,000 investment from the NSW Government’s $4 million Surf Club Facility Program to replace the deck to include wheelchair access and a roof, replace the external timber stairs, and cladding of external walls.

“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers are on the beaches every weekend protecting our community, and it’s important they have fit-for-purpose surf clubs with modern facilities and technology,” Mr Ayres said.

“I’m incredibly pleased that the NSW Government has allocated $16 million of funding over four years to support the upgrade, restoration, or construction of surf life saving clubs.”

Pacifc Palms Surf Life Saving Club President Jerrad Allen said the improvements to the foyer will make sure the club is a sought after venue for functions, and the storeroom will mean they are always rescue-ready.

“As the only agency for aquatic emergencies in our area, this will greatly enhance response times and efficiency when called to any incidents,” Mr Allen said.

The $500 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people in regional NSW.

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/sccf.