2018-06-12 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    12 JUNE 2018


Staff have advised NHSLSC the latest Coastal Hazard mapping reaffirms any move east toward
the ocean would increase risks from coastal erosion and is highly unlikely to be supported.
Notably, Surf Life Saving Australia recognises the significant risks climate change represents to
its organisation and club assets. The need to respond and adapt to these risks is outlined in its
2011 report “Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change on Surf Live Saving
Services – A Road Map for Adaptive Action” and subsequent studies by the National Climate
Change Adaptation Research Facility and others.
While State planning legislation does provide for surf clubs within coastal environments as
‘coastal dependant development’, it clearly states it can only occur where development cannot
feasibly be located elsewhere. Council staff are of the firm opinion the existing location of the
Surf Club is feasible and therefore this test for an alternative site cannot be met. The legislation
also requires coastal dependant development in an erosion prone area to be as far landward as
possible and that it does not increase the risks of coastal erosion to people and property. As
such, the existing reserve location reflects provisions for coastal dependent development under
State planning legislation.
Tenure
The existing club operations occur on State Land on a Local Government Reserve for Lifesaving
Purposes specifically established for the PBSLSC operations. A relocation is a highly complex
and protracted process involving:
   Addressing Native Title which exists over the adjacent Recreation Park reserve via an
     Indigenous Land Use Agreement;
   Creation of a new Trustee Lease area over the Recreation Reserve, requiring the consent
     of Council and the State and demonstrating how the proposal would meet the Department
     of Natural Resources. Mines and Energy’s (DNRME) policy for Secondary use of Trust land
     under the Land Act; and
   Extinguishment of the existing reserve, with DNRME requiring Council to demonstrate it is
     not fit for purpose.
Development Assessment
Any proposed redevelopment of the Surf Club will require development approvals and need to
address a range of planning and development issues including:
   Building scale and design, which will need to be in keeping with the low-key village
     character of Peregian Beach, as required by the Noosa Planning Scheme; and
   Consideration of noise, amenity, traffic, parking and servicing of the facility.
Future Redevelopment Options
Given the constraints to relocation, Council staff have formally advised NHSLSC any
redevelopment options should focus on the existing site. Despite this, the club and its
proponents continue to publicly suggest a relocation is a feasible option.
Lifeguard Services and SLSQ Role
Council has patrol service agreements with the Noosa and Sunshine Beach surf clubs for local
beaches. Each agreement is executed annually between SLSQ, the surf club and Council prior
to the commencement of the volunteer lifesaving on the September school holidays. NHSLSC
patrols services at Peregian’s beaches have been to appropriate standards and met critical
public safety needs.
It is important to note that SLSQ, as the peak body for lifesaving in Queensland, would need to
oversee and endorse the creation of any new club. Should NHSLSC withdraw its services and a
new group seek to re-establish the PBSLSC, the group would need to apply to SLSQ (Sunshine
Coast and State Branches respectively) for affiliation and endorsement. SLSQ would need to
review strategic plans detailing the club’s operational and financial sustainability and may need to


                                                                                  Page 109 of 118