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

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.