Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club members took an important step towards deciding the future of the club at a meeting held on Sunday 27 October.
After 18 months of consultation with Surf Club members, the Noosa Council and key stakeholders, members voted to fund the next step in the design and approval process required to replace the existing building.
Comprehensive due diligence has been undertaken by the Building Work Group (BWG) over the past 18 months.
The group, which is made up of experienced industry professionals volunteering their time, has identified that the current structure is past it’s asset life.
The process has included a comprehensive building condition report and consultation with members, Emergency Services and other relevant stakeholders who considered options including a refurbishment, a renovation or a rebuild.
On Sunday members voted to take the next steps towards a complete rebuild which will meet the evolving needs of the club’s lifesavers and the wider community.
NHSLSC president Ross Fisher said, “The time has come to consider the future of the Surf Club building, an aging structure that has had many renovations over the years since the 1960s.”
“The proposed rebuild would facilitate and support the growth of the club now and into the future and reduce the operating costs of the current building and beyond.
“The Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly a century.
“This proposed rebuild is a necessary step to ensure we can continue to provide world-class lifesaving services while offering a modern, welcoming space for our members and visitors.”
The proposed new build would be a purpose-built, sustainable, and fully accessible facility. Key features of the proposed rebuild include:
– Expanded lifesaving facilities to support training, patrolling, and rescue operations with cutting-edge equipment and resources as well as Surf Education and Emergency Training for all local emergencies and an Emergency Centre if required.
– Enhanced training facilities, a third level used exclusively for active members and training.
– Environmentally sustainable design, that supports sustainable principles and sensitive design consideration including rainwater harvesting and environmentally friendly building materials.
– Accessibility improvements to make the club more inclusive for all ages and abilities including an underground carpark for active members.
– Modernised bar and dining area will maintain the existing footprint while giving the design and layout of the space a modern Noosa look and feel fitting with its iconic location. It will still be the best seat on the beach for visitors and locals alike.
Minimising disruption and providing adequate access for life saving will be priority during the upcoming design and rebuild process.
The consultation and engagement process will continue as the process of deciding the future of the club unfolds.
The club understands the importance and relevance of the project and acknowledges the long journey to undertake a sensitive design.
Since its establishment in 1928, the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club has been committed to protecting beachgoers and fostering a spirit of community and camaraderie through volunteerism and education.
The Club currently boasts over 1500 members, including lifesavers, nippers, and volunteers, all working together to keep Noosa’s iconic beaches safe.
