A section of a local surf club is being demolished to make way for an upgraded two-storey building, as the club ramps up planning for the redevelopment of the entire facility.
Renovations of the Kawana Waters Surf Lifesaving Club on Pacific Boulevard at Buddina have commenced, with the works aimed at meeting the needs of members and continuing to provide lifesaving services to the community.
Supporters club president and surf club deputy president Kane Domio said the improvements were badly needed.
“The building being demolished was built in 1982 and was in a significant state of disrepair,” he said.
“The club did not have the facilities needed to house all the patrol equipment, nor did it meet the needs of its members, so the renovations were imperative to the club maintaining and expanding its membership base.
“The main goal of this renovation is to build the infrastructure needed for sustainable lifesaving services for Kawana Beach now and into the future.
“The new facilities will also serve as a stable facility to work out of up to and during future redevelopment of the club.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
Mr Domio outlined what was involved in the current works, which are expected to be completed by mid-September before the 2025-26 patrol season commences.
“The renovations involve the demolition of the single-storey surf lifesaving section of the surf club and the construction of a two-storey structure on the same footprint, with gear storage on the ground floor and training facilities, office space and meeting rooms on the first floor,” he said.
“This includes office and meeting space for the Kawana Waters RSL Sub-Branch.
“The renovations also include a new entry foyer to the supporters club, which will also provide compliant disabled access to all areas of the club.”
The total estimated cost for the current renovations is $2.4 million, with funds coming from state government grants, Surf Life Saving Queensland and the club’s own resources.
The works were awarded to a builder based on a public tender process.
Mr Domio said there would be minimal disruptions to the club’s activities during the works, with the bistro, gaming and bar all unaffected.
“The surf lifesaving side of the club is operating out of shipping containers during the renovations, which isn’t ideal but we are managing,” he said.
“The only change to the supporters club is that there is a new temporary entry to the club on the beach side of the club, which is best accessed from the car park to the north.”
He said members and patrons had been supportive of the works as they had been “a long time coming and much needed”.
“The members and general community understand the importance of the renovations and are keen to see them completed ASAP,” Mr Domio said.
“This is also evident in the development approval process, which is being undertaken through the State Government Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process, where many supportive comments were received for the project.”
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Mr Domio said the current renovations were also an important part of a larger plan to rejuvenate the whole club.
“These renovations will provide a stable facility to operate out of during an upcoming redevelopment of the entire club,” he said.
“The LNP state government have committed $10 million to the club to undertake this redevelopment, which is planned to be completed in the next four years.
“These works are in the early planning stage.”
