Friday, 27 October, 2017

Two popular surf lifesaving clubs will benefit from multi-million dollar rebuilds to help life savers get on with the job of keeping beachgoers safe.

Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Harriet Shing today visited Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club to announce additional funding for new clubhouses to be built at Cape Paterson and Portsea, replacing existing dated 1960s buildings.

The rebuild of the Cape Paterson clubhouse will create a modern facility with training rooms, a community hall, change rooms, an administration office and other state-of-the-art features.

The project is expected to cost about $4 million, with the Labor Government boosting its investment to $2.3 million, ensuring the club can focus more on saving lives and less on fundraising to replace its worn out facilities.

The project has also benefitted from $600,000 from Bass Coast Shire and $500,000 raised by club members, with the new facility expected to be completed in early 2019.

The Labor Government is also boosting its contribution towards the Portsea revamp to $2.15 million, ushering in a new era for the historic club and its 2,400 members.

The $9 million project will see the ageing clubhouse rebuilt and the construction of a brand new access road enabling rapid ambulance access. Work is expecting to start in the coming weeks.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is contributing $1 million to the project, with the remaining funds being raised from generous local community supporters and members who have rallied behind the club.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Harriet Shing

“Volunteer lifesavers at Cape Paterson and Portsea have saved thousands of lives since their clubs were established.”

“It’s only right that we fund the facilities that they need to maintain a presence on our beaches, to train and to increase marine safety.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino

“The new clubhouses will be terrific hubs – not just for club members and life savers, but the whole Portsea and Cape Paterson communities.”

Quotes attributable to Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club President Dean Manns

“Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club is thrilled to be getting a brand new clubhouse, for us and the entire Cape and Wonthaggi communities to benefit from.”

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Victorian Government, Bass Coast Shire and the local community for their funding support as the club goes through a period of significant growth.”

Quotes attributable to Portsea Surf Life Saving Club President Stuart Rayner

“We are extremely appreciative of the support provided by the Victorian Government, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the local community, which has enabled us to undertake this once-in-a-generation rebuild.”

“While there is some way to go on the journey, the commencement of works this week is a major milestone for us to celebrate.”