On Tuesday 24 November, the NSW State Government announced a $2 million grant to upgrade the Forster Surf Life Saving Club.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey and Stephen Bromhead MP, Member for Myall Lakes, joined Surf Life Saving NSW Lower North Coast Branch President, Brian Wilcox, Forster SLSC Club President John Quinn, SLSNSW President George Shales OAM and SLSNSW CEO, Steven Pearce at an event to announce the NSW Government's contribution to the project.
The announcement of the $2m funding grant brings the government's total contribution towards the surf club redevelopment project to $3m.
In addition to the funding provided by the NSW Government, more than $200,000 has been raised by club members. It took about 16 years for members to raise the money through activities including sausage sizzles and providing water safety during triathlon events.
Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast Branch President, Brian Wilcox said that the announcement is a fantastic boost for the area and will be a facility the community can be proud of. Construction of the new Forster SLSC building is expected to begin in March 2021.
Forster SLSC President, John Quinn said that the next step was to get Crown Lands and MidCoast Council to approve the redevelopment before construction can begin.
"This is pretty exciting. It will be a good thing for the community and for this area,” John Quinn said.
The new Forster SLSC has been designed to create more space for the community, with easy access to Main Beach, facilities and car park.
Minister Melinda Pavey said the latest funding formed part of a new $39.1 million allocation from the COVID-19 stimulus program to support a range of infrastructure improvement projects in regional communities.
Stephen Bromhead, Member for Myall Lakes said that the investment is fantastic news for the Mid North Coast and will support both improvements to vital regional infrastructure and jobs in the region.
"Surf Life Saving clubs provide a critical service, supporting the safe enjoyment of our coastline for locals and tourists alike," Mr Bromhead said.
"New improved facilities will help the club's volunteers better serve the community and attract new members while providing a valuable new asset,” he said.
Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales OAM, said that the development funding grant was another example of the continued, valued support from the NSW Government for SLSNSW’s 75,000 members and 129 Surf Life Saving clubs.
Wednesday 25 November 2020