The State Government last week announced Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) would receive a massive uplift in funding, a record $125 million investment which builds on the current four-year $30 million commitment delivered by the government from 2020, due to conclude at the end of this financial year.
The commitment includes funding for a 10-year service level agreement which will commence in the 2024-25 financial year, and an immediate boost to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.
More than 35,000 Queenslanders are volunteer members of a surf lifesaving club and more than 462,000 are a member of an affiliated supporters club.
$113 million over 10 years for the Service Agreement was aimed at providing certainty and support for SLSQ’s long-term plans, including increasing membership, and integrating with the Government Wireless Network.
The remaining $12 million capital boost will be delivered to Surf Life Saving Queensland this financial year, so they can commence the roll out upgrades to facilities and equipment at clubs across the state, as soon as possible.
Premier Steven Miles said our more than 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,” he said.
Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan said the 10-year service agreement would give Surf Life Saving Queensland more certainty and more ability to plan into the future.
“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,” he said
“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 has had a proud and strong relationship with Surf Life Saving Queensland for more than 90 years.
“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.
Surf Life Saving Queensland president Gerard O’Brien 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,” he said.
