Noosa Council will this month discuss its intention to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a suitable not-for-profit community group to occupy the top level of the Peregian Beach Surf Club, a move met with the launch of a petition of protest by community group Peregian Family and Friends.
The community group says the top level of the clubhouse is being used for lifesaving training, social gatherings and functions and the inability to use half the surf club may risk SLSQ being unable to deliver its volunteer lifesaving services.
Council’s intention, which is contained in this month’s Services and Organisation Committee meeting agenda, aims to find a suitable tenant for the building which is held in Trustee by council, for a period of up to three years and at an annual cost of $301.50 per year.
Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club (NHSLSC) was issued annual permits by council since 2014 to occupy the premises with permits expiring in December 2018.
During that time NHSLSC maintained voluntary lifesaving patrols, conducted a nipper program and undertook repairs and renovations and in 2016 began investigating options to redevelop the clubhouse. It continues to provide weekend lifesaving patrols and has re-established a nippers program.
Council papers state: “A report to Council in August 2018 detailed a protracted campaign seeking support to relocate the building into an area of greater coastal hazard risks. Following talks with the State peak body, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), it was agreed the campaign was causing unnecessary community
division. In September 2018 SLSQ made an undertaking to become the permit holder (via its local branch), to end conjecture about relocation of the club”.
There has been no formal tenure of the site since last December and council has received approaches from community and environmental groups seeking space in the building.
Under council’s proposal the building tenure would comprise lifesaving functions delivered from the ground floor via a three year Trustee Permit to SLSQ and community activation of the top floor via a three year Trustee Permit from 1 July to a community group with a connection to marine or foreshore activities.
