The $125m of state funding will allow Surf Life Saving Queensland to undertake immediate upgrades on its premises and of its equipment, and provides a 10-year service agreement. Photo: SLSQ.
The Queensland Government and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) have signed a $125 million agreement to fund SLSQ’s clubs for the next 10 years.
The government said the investment was the biggest in the nation and built on the current four-year, $30m commitment due to conclude at the end of this financial year. It said its support included $113m for a 10-year service-level agreement that would start in the 2024-25 financial year, and an immediate boost to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.
The service agreement will provide certainty to and support SLSQ’s long-term plans, including increasing membership and integrating with the Government Wireless Network.
The remaining $12m capital boost will be delivered this financial year to upgrade facilities and equipment at clubs across the state.
More than 35,000 Queenslanders are volunteer members of a surf lifesaving club and more than 462,000 are members of an affiliated supporters’ club.
Premier Steven Miles said Queensland was home to the best beaches in the world and the best and most dedicated lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers in the world.
“Our over-35,000 volunteer surf lifesavers have kept our beaches safe this year and we want to make sure they have everything they need to continue this great work,” he said.
“We know investing in SLSQ will mean even safer beaches for Queenslanders and for the hundreds of thousands of tourists who travel here every year to enjoy our amazing coastline.”
Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan described the deal as a game-changer.
“It gives Surf Life Saving Queensland more certainty and more ability to plan into the future,” he said.
“Surf clubs up and down the coast do so much for Queenslanders, and I am particularly proud to see the $12m being directly invested into every club, from this financial year.
“It can be used to upgrade and enhance facilities or buy new and improved lifesaving technology and equipment.”
