A surf lifesaving club in the Tweed Shire, described on its website as one of the newest in Australia, is to receive nearly $350,000 in NSW grant funds for renovations.
The NSW government has approved more than $345,000 in funds for the project, as part of nearly $5.5 million announced in the latest Surf Club Facility Programgrants allocations.
Four clubs on the state’s far north coast have been approved for funding, three of them in the Tweed Shire.
Further south, the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club is approved for two separate projects totalling more than $65,000.
From surf to sun: Cabarita surf club to start storing solar
Public information on the NSW Surf Club Facility Program shows managers of the Salt Surf Life Saving Club at 45 Bells Boulevard in Kingscliff are to spend their approved funds on upgrades to the club’s kitchen, deck and bar facilities.
They’ve told grant assessors the outstanding renos are essential for the club’s financial independence so they can generate a stable income.
Meanwhile, the Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club is to receive more than $25,000 towards the installation of 40KWH solar power batteries to complement the club’s existing panel system.
The club reportedly has a 45Kwp solar array producing up to 300Kwh per month, with managers telling grant assessors batteries will significantly reduce the club’s reliance on the electricity grid.
Large savings on the club’s electricity bills and continued service during periods on disruption to the electricity supply are expected as positive outcomes of the funding.
The Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club, also in the Tweed Shire, is approved for $100,000 towards the installation of a new internal lift connecting the building’s two levels.
In the neighbouring Byron Shire, the Byron Bay club is to receive more than $15,000 for security upgrades and more than $51,000 to review storage space and facilities ahead of anticipated Byron Bay Main Beach foreshore redevelopment.
More than a third of NSW surf clubs funded
The NSW government says grants of up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.
This year’s program included grants for design and planning.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Phil Ayres says there are 129 surf clubs across the state, representing more than 85,000 volunteers, and that more than a third of clubs have benefitted from the latest round of grants.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the latest funds release, with 61 projects listed.
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