Sunshine Coast beachgoers are in safer hands for 10 more years, thanks to a record funding boost to Surf Life Saving Queensland.
The state government has announced a $125 million agreement with SLSQ to help continue the vital service.
It’s due to start in July, when the current four-year, $30 million deal ends.
The commitment will include an immediate lift to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.
Premier Steven Miles said the partnership would make beaches safer for years to come.
“Nothing says Queensland more than a day at the beach between the red and yellow flags,” he said via a media release.
“The Sunshine State is home to the best beaches in the world and without a doubt 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.
“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.”
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said the funding would greatly benefit the region’s lifesaving clubs and beachgoers.
“The Sunshine Coast is the home to some of Australia’s best beaches and this investment in Surf Life Saving Queensland ensures local clubs and clubs across Queensland have what they need so tourists and locals can continue to enjoy Queensland beaches safely,” he said.
Nicklin MP Rob Skelton echoed his comments.
“Thousands of Queenslanders head to the beach each and every day and every visitor knows the red and yellow flags. This exciting investment will help surf lifesaving clubs continue to protect beachgoers across Queensland and right here on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
Minister for Community Safety Mark Ryan said the service agreement would be 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 $12 million 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.”
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Queensland Police Service would continue its 90-year affiliation with SLSQ.
“Our two organisations not only work together through our many waterways but also in the sky, with our recent long-term contract being renewed for Surf Life Saving Queensland to provide our POLAIR services,” she said.
“I look forward to our two organisations continuing their strong relationship for the next 10 years and beyond.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland president Gerard O’Brien said the funding was essential.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland is proud of our long history protecting Queensland beaches and serving the community,” he said.
“This long-term funding agreement will ensure our dedicated lifesavers can continue to do what they do best – save lives.
“Our mission is zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters and this funding will ensure we can invest in our members, our equipment and our lifesaving capability so we can achieve this mission.
“It is dedicated Queenslanders who patrol our beaches and work tirelessly to keep the community safe. This funding is an investment in them and an acknowledgement of the valuable service they provide to Queensland.”
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