Friday, 4 May, 2018

The Victorian Budget 2018-19 has delivered a further boost to Cape Paterson’s volunteer lifesavers, with a rebuild of their ageing clubhouse on track to be completed by next year.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing returned to the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) today to announce Tuesday’s Budget provided an additional $1 million for the redevelopment.

Ms Shing said the Victorian Government is contributing more than $3 million to the much-needed project, following funding allocations in previous years.

The rebuild will see the 1960s-era clubhouse replaced with a modern facility with training rooms, a community hall, change rooms, an administration office and other state-of-the-art features.

The new facilities will give volunteer lifesavers more space to support their summer patrols, as well as education and training opportunities as part of the club’s strong commitment to aquatic sports.

It will also provide year-round facilities for Cape Paterson residents and visitors to the Bass Coast enjoy.

Additional funds have been provided from a range of other supporters, including $600,000 from the Bass Coast Shire and $500,000 raised by club members.

Cape Paterson SLSC was founded in 1960 and currently has more than 500 members, including about 200 junior or “nipper” members.

This allocation is part of the Victorian Budget’s allocation of more than $43 million to upgrade and build new Life Saving Victoria (LSV), CFA and Victoria State Emergency Service facilities, giving emergency-service volunteers and workers the modern facilities they deserve.

The government is contributing funding to a range of other LSV projects, including clubhouse upgrades at Black Rock and Bonbeach.

The Budget also allocates more than $8.3 million towards water-safety programs, including providing more lifeguards at beaches, more training and support for volunteer lifesavers, and an expanded Nippers program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Harriet Shing:

“We are so proud of the work that our lifesavers do every day in often difficult and dangerous circumstances to save lives and educate the public about water safety. This further investment of $1 million to complete the Cape Paterson facility is part of our ongoing work to give lifesavers have the facilities they need to respond to incidents and keep people safe on the water.”

“Cape Paterson’s volunteer lifesavers have been patrolling the surf beach for almost 60 years, and they are part of a strong, vibrant and passionate community – they deserve facilities that reflect this commitment.”

“It’s been a privilege to advocate for the Club and the Committee – once complete, the new facility will be a fitting community hub for members and the whole Cape Paterson area.”