A record $125 million 10-year Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) Service Level Agreement (SLA) is now rolling out across the state.
The Queensland Government described the SLA as the largest ever funding commitment to the SLSQ – and is the largest in Australian history.
The new SLA consists of $113 million in operating funding over 10 years and a one-off capital grant of $12 million (recipient clubs are listed below).
Community Safety Minister Mark Ryan says the SLA gives the SLSQ the confidence to plan for the future.
“This funding will be used to upgrade and enhance facilities or buy new and improved life-saving technology and equipment,” he says.
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt says his community is “incredibly grateful” to lifesavers.
“It is only right and proper that we provide Surf Life Saving Queensland with the funding certainty so that they can continue to perform what is a vital community service.”
The Qld Police Service Acting Assistant Commissioner for Emergency Management and Co-ordination Command, Marcus Hill says they look forward to supporting SLSQ programs.
SLSQ chief executive officer Dave Whimpey says the funding will help them achieve their goal of zero preventable deaths.
“This funding will ensure we can invest in our members, our equipment and our life saving capability so we can achieve this mission,” he says.
The SLSQ was also given $12m for equipment and facility upgrades for the clubs.
RECIPIENT CLUBS
- Kawana Waters SLSC – $1.06m
- Coolangatta SLSC – $1.16m
- Etty Bay SLSC – $928,000
- Peregian Beach SLSC – $928,000
- Bilinga SLSC – $754,000
- Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC – $464,000
- Yeppoon SLSC – $406,000
- Townsville SLSC – $290,000
- Port Douglas SLSC – $275,000
- Mackay SLSC – $200,000
- Eimeo SLSC – $464,000
- Southport SLSC – $365,400
- Tugan SLSC – $334,900
- Point Lookout SLSC – $330,000
- Kirra SLSC – $275,000
- Surfers Paradise SLSC – $275,000
- Sarina SLSC – $232,000
The SLA will fund the SLSQ’s operational and strategic initiatives, including increasing membership, boosting lifesaving services and integrating technological capabilities, including upgrading all communications and equipment.
