“The cost of the fit out of the rented premises at 12 Stewart Avenue could have funded almost three surf clubs.” 

Those are the words of Lord Mayoral candidate John Church who, together with a band of fellow Newcastle Independents, announced a plan to refurbish all six of Newcastle’s surf life saving clubs if elected to Newcastle City Council on 4 December.

The promise came on Friday 29 October, when the group met with members of the Merewether SLSC, Newcastle SLSC and NSW Surf Life Saving Association at Bathers Way.

At an estimated cost of $7 million per club, the Newcastle Independents say they are committed to refurbishing the clubs, starting with Merewether and Newcastle, and on striking a 50/50 funding arrangement with state and federal governments to continue the ongoing program of refurbishing all clubs. 

Their plan is to build a new surf life saving club every two years, with a focus on quality design and community consultation.

Ward 2 candidate and Merewether local PJ Fallon said the announcement was a major boon not only for the Merewether and Newcastle clubs, but for all six surf organisations in Newcastle.

“We know that Merewether have been shovel-ready for a little while, and the current council has refused to accept their DA,” he said.

“While we need to be mindful of climate change impacts and sea level rise, it’s time to resolve these issues and get on with the job.

“Some of the surf clubs in Newcastle are in dire need of replacement, which is what the Newcastle Independents are promising to do.”

Ward One Independent John Church said his party also planned to work with surf life saving clubs to deliver more stable income streams.

“We know the clubs need more certainty around their leasing arrangements with the council, to be able to plan for their future financial viability,” he explained.

“Our beaches are some of the best on the east coast, and we want surf life saving clubs that are fit for purpose and up to scratch.

“This includes disability access, better facilities for women and children and additional storage for life saving equipment.

“The clubs are in some of the  best coastal locations in the city and once upgraded would provide quality spaces for functions, events, training and community uses.

“We have been listening to members of the surf life saving community, and we want them to know that they can count on the Newcastle Independents to represent them,” he added.

“Under this Labor-led council, our surf life saving clubs have lost some of their income streams leaving the financial future of surf clubs vulnerable.

“The clear neglect of these clubs is the result of Mrs Nelmes and Labor’s focus on new projects at the expense of addressing the infrastructure backlog such as surf clubs, footpaths and inland pools.

“The cost of the fit out of the rented premises at 12 Stewart Avenue could have funded almost three surf clubs.

“This plan is a clear signal that we will re-prioritise the infrastructure budget if elected.”

For more stories like this:

Fallon, Elliot lead Newcastle Independents’ council charge

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