PEREGIAN BEACH SURF LIFESAVING CLUB - FUNDING REQUEST AND UPDATE ON OPERATIONS (Referred from Services & Organisation dated 12 November 2024) · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                     18 NOVEMBER 2024


        3. Submitting a Building Works Plan prior to 30 June 2025 detailing proposed club building
           works including major maintenance, renovation and extension works for the remainder
           of the current lease period
        4. Agreeing that opportunities for ratepayer financial support will be by application through
           Council’s community grants program and no commitment is provided by Council for
           direct ratepayer financial support
        5. Agreeing that building maintenance will be at Council’s discretion subject to
           Council’s independent assessment and asset maintenance planning.
B. Note that any future PBSLSC proposal to assume responsibility for all patrolling days in the
September to May lifesaving season will be subject to approval by Surf Lifesaving Queensland;
C. Note Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club’s request to increase Junior Activities (Nippers)
enrolments subject to Surf Lifesaving Queensland approval;
D. Authorise the CEO to:
            1. Monitor operation of the bin storage area located adjacent to Peregian Beach SLSC
and investigate short and long term options to manage the impacts of the area to improve club
amenity;
             2. Examine stormwater and drainage issues currently impacting club operations; and
E. Agree that requests for funding resulting from the bin storage and drainage and stormwater
investigations will be referred to future budget deliberations as appropriate.


REPORT
1. Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club operations
and seek Council funding for a further two year period to support Peregian Beach SLSC's efforts to
establish full beach patrol services.
2. Background
At the April 2022 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to enter into negotiations for a 10 year lease
with Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (PBSLSC). The intent of the lease was to provide security
of tenure to allow the club to establish operations, beach patrols and associated activities.
The granting of the lease to PBSLSC followed a three year period of management by Surf Lifesaving
Sunshine Coast (see July 2019 Services and Organisation Meeting, Item 3, Page 20) and an earlier
period of management by Noosa Heads SLSC which assumed responsibility for beach patrols and
club operations following PBSLSC’s failure in 2014 (see October 2014 Planning and Organisation
Meeting, Item 7, Page 42).


3. PBSLSC Progress Towards Establishment of New Club
    Despite the challenges posed in establishing the new club, PBSLSC has continued to make
   steady progress towards building lifesaving operations, beach patrols and the supporting
   activities required to ensure the club’s ongoing viability. PBSLSC has detailed its achievements
   in its 2023-2024 Annual Report which is attached to this report (see Attachment 1). The club
   notes its success is due to its focus on four essential lifesaving areas, which include:

   •   Providing a safe bathing environment;
   •   Increasing patrolling membership;
   •   Building a strong nipper program; and

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        18 NOVEMBER 2024


   •   Prudent financial management.
   The report details the club’s achievements and key statistics for the 2023-2024 season, which
   include:
   •   75 active patrolling members across 5 patrols (16% decrease from last season)
   •   Continuing patrol support from the Brisbane Lifesaving Service to form a 6th patrol team with
       further volunteer contributions from members from other Sunshine Coast clubs
   •   514 total members (13% increase from last season)
   •   198 children enrolled in nipper program (19% increase from previous season)
   •   Improved financial performance reflecting increased income and expenditure control

4. Progress Towards Full Weekend and Public Holiday Patrols
At the April 2022 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to fund SLSQ contract lifeguard services on
Saturdays and public holidays in the surf lifesaving season for a three year period. Accordingly,
PBSLSC has undertaken patrols on the remaining Sundays.
Given Council’s funding commitment ceases in May at the end of 2024 - 2025 patrolling season,
Council officers met with PBSLSC committee members and SLSQ on 10 July 2024, to seek an
update regarding the club’s progress towards full weekend and public holiday patrols for the 2025-
2026 September to May patrolling season.
While PBSLSC is ultimately committed to providing full patrol services, the club’s position is that it is
not yet ready to provide this service level and SLSQ and Council's Property officers acknowledge
the current situation. Any future PBSLSC proposal to progress to full patrol services will need to be
approved by SLSQ and consider a number of factors including:
   •   The number of active patrolling members required to sustainably provide full patrol services
       requires potentially 120 patrolling members (the club currently has 75 active patrolling
       members);
   •   Capacity of the club to train more lifesavers across all award requirements including patrols,
       rescue techniques, patient care, beach management and utilising rescue equipment; and
   •   Span of beach area under responsibility, projected increases to SE Queensland population
       and increasing beach visitation trends.
In recognition of the upcoming cessation of Council’s funding commitment, PBSLSC has requested
Council funding for a further two year period from September 2025. In addition to Sundays, PBSLSC
propose to patrol the 11 public holidays falling within the September to May lifesaving season.
It should also be noted PBSLSC have committed to providing the extra public holiday coverage for
this current season. The existing Council funding agreement does not compel the club to patrol the
public holidays however, the club has voluntarily accepted responsibility and have committed to
providing these services ahead of the proposed new Council funding agreement commencing next
year.
5. State Government Funding
In May 2024, the State Government announced a new 10 year funding package for Queensland Surf
Lifesaving Clubs (see https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100375). SLSQ had previously
undertaken an infrastructure needs assessment with PBSLSC ranking highly in that review. As a
result of this needs assessment, PBSLSC received $800,000 which will be used to improve and
modernise ground floor member facilities.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                      18 NOVEMBER 2024


6. Future Building Works Plan
At the 10 July PBSLSC meeting, the development of a building works plan was discussed. The
purpose of this plan is for the club to identify proposed building works over the remainder of lease
period. Early identification of proposed building works will provide Council with an understanding of
the new management committee’s direction, identify approval processes to assist the club and allow
a coordinated approach to building maintenance and renewal projects proposed by PBSLSC and
Council.
7. Strategic Plan
The club’s 2022- 2025 Strategic Plan is a key guiding document providing strategic direction and is
crucial to the club’s future success. Given the plan expires in 2025, it is proposed this document is
updated prior to 30 June 2025 and before the commencement of the 2025-2026 patrol season to
allow sufficient time for SLSQ review and endorsement prior to season commencement.
8. Junior Activities (Nippers)
The nipper program continues to be successful with 198 children enrolled for the 2023-2024 season.
At the 10 July meeting, PBSLSC sought permission to increase numbers above 200 for forthcoming
seasons. Council officers have no objection to the proposal subject to SLSQ approval
9. Infrastructure, Renewal and Operational Expenses
PBSLSC may continue to require Council support with major infrastructure and renewal and
operational expenses during the next few years of operations. Opportunities for ratepayer financial
support will be considered by application through Council’s community grants program and building
maintenance will be at Council’s discretion subject to its independent assessment and asset
maintenance planning.
10. Bin Storage Area
A bin storage area servicing the Village Square is located on the southern side of the clubhouse and
adjacent to public amenities (see Attachment 2). Feedback from PBSLSC and the community
indicates the type of waste (specifically food waste) and its use as a domestic waste facility present
significant amenity impacts for the club given its proximity to the bin storage area.
Council conducted a site visit earlier this year and implemented a range of actions in response to
club complaints regarding the storage area. This report recommends Council continue to monitor
operation of the bin storage area located adjacent to Peregian Beach SLSC and investigate short
and long term options to manage the impacts of the area to improve club amenity.
11. Drainage and Stormwater issues
PBSLSC have identified stormwater and drainage issues which are presenting challenges to their
operation. Council officers were advised there is water ingress into the bottom floor of building from
the carpark on the western side of the club from rainfall. Excessive water ponding has been observed
in Peregian Beach Park by club members which anecdotally results from poor drainage. This report
recommends both issues are subject to further investigation by Council.
12. ConclusionSurf Lifesaving Clubs are part of the fabric of the Australian community and provide
a range of benefits to its members and to the broader community. PBSLSC have proposed an
incremental increase to patrol services with operations supported by grants and modest income
streams. Council funded SLSQ contract lifeguard services will support club operations during the
club’s establishment phase by allowing the club to provide the appropriate number of members on
each patrol without unsustainably straining available resources and increasing the likelihood of club
failure. There may be future community interest regarding the timing of the club providing full patrol
services within the September to May season. While acknowledging the importance of community
safety and club sustainability, the path to full service provision is not formulaic and will require
decision makers to be pragmatic and realistic given new surf club establishment is an uncommon
occurrence and the factors influencing each surf club’s development are unique.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                      18 NOVEMBER 2024


The development of a Future Building Works Plan and update of the club’s Strategic Plan are key
actions which will provide strategic direction and pave the way for future club success. SLSQ remain
available to support the club’s endeavours and support the current management committee who
seek to build on the success of the previous committee.
Council’s foremost priority remains beach safety. If PBSLSC is unsuccessful in its attempts to reform,
Council will be obliged to provide lifeguards via SLSQ contract lifeguard services 365 days per year
to ensure a safe bathing and beach environment is maintained.




Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 5 - Excellence

Levels of service, volunteers, community engagement and asset management practices.


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 21 April 2022, Item 9, Page 16

That Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 12 April 2022 and
A. Authorise the CEO to enter into negotiations for a 10-year lease to Peregian Beach SLSC Inc.
over Lot 165 MCH5180 (the whole building and surrounds) for Surf Lifesaving Purposes at Peregian
Beach as generally outlined in the report subject to the Lessee:

      1. Publishing annual reporting of progress toward establishment of the new Peregian Beach
SLSC for the first three years of operations;
     2. Setting aside a suitable area for Surf Lifesaving Queensland to oversee Noosa Shire contract
lifeguard operations as per the Surf Lifesaving Queensland Sunshine                     Coast Branch
proposal;
      3. Agreeing that opportunities for ratepayer financial support will be by application through
Council’s community grants program and no commitment is provided by                 Council for direct
ratepayer financial support
     4. Agreeing that building maintenance will be at Council’s discretion subject to its independent
assessment and asset maintenance planning;

B. Note Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Inc’s. request to operate the Peregian Beach Markets
from May 2022 and authorise the CEO to issue the appropriate permit once Council has received a
properly made application and undertaken its normal assessment process;

C. Agree to consider as part of the 2022-2023 budget deliberations the allocation of $71,000 per
annum plus CPI (for a total of three years) to fund SLSQ contract lifeguard services on Saturdays
and public holidays in the surf lifesaving patrol season (September to May)

Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 18 July 2019, Item 5, Page 15

That Council note the report by the Property Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 9 July 2019 regarding the recent Expression of Interest process undertaken for Level
1 of the Peregian Beach Surf Club and:

     A. Agree not to offer a Trustee Permit for Level 1 of the building, as outlined in the Expression
        of Interest process;

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       18 NOVEMBER 2024


    B. Offer a 3-year Trustee Permit to Surf Lifesaving Queensland Sunshine Coast Branch over
        Lot 165 MCH5180 (the whole building and surrounds) for surf lifesaving purposes at
        Peregian Beach, subject to the Permittee:
      • Providing annual reporting of key performance indicators and progress toward
      establishment of a new Peregian Beach Surf Club entity, as outlined in the submitted
      Strategic Plan;
      • Facilitating community access and use of the Level 1 building space where such usage
      does not compromise surf lifesaving activities, as outlined in the submitted Strategic Plan;
      • Agreeing that opportunities for ratepayer financial support are by application through its
      community grants program or through other normal Council processes and no commitment
      is provided by Council within the terms of the offered permit for direct ratepayer capital
      investment identified in the submitted Strategic Plan; and
      • Agreeing that building maintenance by Council is at Council’s discretion subject to its
      independent assessment and asset maintenance planning;

    C. Authorise the CEO to enter into a 3-year Trustee Permit, as generally outlined above; and

    D. Agree to negotiate a long-term Trustee Lease over Lot 165 MCH5180 for the new Peregian
   Beach Surf Club entity, subject to satisfactory performance and progress under the Trustee
   Permit with any future long-term Trustee Lease to explicitly prohibit the installation and operation
   of gambling machines or gambling facility.

Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 21 March 2019, Item 6, Page 17

That Council note the report by the Property Advisor to the Services and Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 12 March 2019 regarding the Peregian Beach Surf Club building and
     A. Agree to proceed to an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify a local community
        group to offer a Permit to Occupy for Level 1 of the building, as detailed in the report;
     B. Note that the EOI process will allow Council to consider appropriate available options for
        the facility and does not commit Council to entering into any future permit(s) without a
        further decision by Council; and
     C. Note the recent correspondence direct to Councillors from the Acting Chief Executive
        Officer of Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) seeking full use of the building and request
        that staff formally invite SLSQ Sunshine Coast Branch to submit a proposal for community
        activation of Level 1 of the building to allow consideration as part of the proposed EOI
        process.

Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 21 June 2018, Item 5, Page 21

That Council note the report by the Property Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 12 June 2018 providing an update on lifesaving services at Peregian Beach.

Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 23 October 2014, Item 7, Page 6

That Council note the report by the Property and Facilities Manager to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 14 October 2014 and:

    A. Grant a 12 month permit to occupy to the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club over Lot 165
       MCH 5180 to enable it to establish surf lifesaving activities at Peregian Beach;

    B. Authorise the CEO to enter into negotiations for a 20 year lease to the Noosa Heads Surf
       Lifesaving Club over Lot 165 MCH 5180 for surf lifesaving and ancillary activities at
       Peregian Beach; and

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       18 NOVEMBER 2024


     C. Apply the exception to the requirement for tendering of the lease under Section 236 (1) (b)
        (ii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 as the lease is to a community organisation.



Finance
This report recommends Council fund the service level gap on Saturdays for a further two year period
to assist the club with its efforts to establish, build its membership base and consolidate operations.
The current cost to Council to provide SLSQ lifeguard services on Saturdays and public holidays is
$81,000. PBSLSC’s proposal to increase their patrolling commitment to include public holidays
falling within the September to May patrolling season will decrease Council’s contribution to $46,000.

Risk & Opportunities
Risks
PBSLSC has proposed an increase to beach patrol operations by assuming responsibility for public
holidays within the September to May lifesaving season. An incremental increase to patrol services
provided by the club over time is designed to mitigate the risk of volunteer burnout and to ensure
there are adequate qualified lifesavers on each beach patrol to maintain a safe bathing environment.
Scaling up without adequate active patrolling members risks club failure. If the club fails, the
successful nipper program and volunteer patrol contributions may cease noting Council will be
required to fund year round SLSQ lifeguard services.
Any future proposal from PBSLSC to increase its beach patrol operations to all available days in the
September to May lifesaving season including Saturdays, will require SLSQ endorsement to ensure
the club has appropriate resources to deliver the service without compromising community safety.

Opportunities
PBSLSC is committed to growing its membership base, consolidating its operations and improving
the member experience through club improvements. Strategic planning, good governance, capable
committees and a strong relationship with the community are critical to the ongoing success of the
club.
The nipper program is designed to build children’s confidence in the surf in a fun and supportive
environment and relies heavily on volunteer assistance to ensure its viability. The introduction of
parents and carers to lifesaving via the nipper movement provides a unique opportunity to leverage
future involvement via upskilling and contributions to other areas of the club such as lifesaving
patrols, lifesaver training and committee participation.

Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.




Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club
Surf Lifesaving Queensland

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                             18 NOVEMBER 2024


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:

    Office of the CEO, Mayor &               Community Services               Corporate Services
            Councillors
     Mayor & Councillors                   Director                    X   Director
     Chief Executive Officer               Community Development           Financial Services
     Executive Officers                    Sport & Active Lifestyles       Fleet
     Community Engagement                  Arts & Culture                  Revenue Services
     People & Culture                      Community Connection            ICT
     Governance                            Customer Experience             Procurement

                                                                           Commercial Property

     Strategy & Environment                Development & Regulation        Infrastructure Services
     Director                          X   Director                        Director
     Strategic Land Use Planning           Development Assessment          Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                                                           and Delivery
     Economic Development          &       Local Laws                      Civil and Asset operations
     Destination Management
     Environmental Services                Environmental Health            Waste
     Innovation & Digital Hub              Building & Plumbing             Building & Facilities
                                       X   Property / Permits              Disaster Management