Kiama Council and Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) are pleased to announce the completion of the new club house and kiosk.
Gerringong SLSC received development consent in April 2023 to demolish the existing Surf Life Saving Club House and construct a new club house and kiosk.
The surf club was successful in securing $5.9 million in Federal and State grant funds for the works and Kiama Council provided additional funding of $370,000 to support the construction of the new club house and site remediation.
Now the building is complete Council, as the owner and landlord of this community facility, is offering a temporary 12-month licence agreement to Gerringong SLSC for the use of the building as a club house for Surf Life Saving activities. The premises are located on community land and must only be used for those purposes.
The adjoining kiosk may be operated by the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (members and volunteers, not a third party) as per the requirements of the licence agreement yet to be issued.
Subletting of any Kiama Council facility must be open and transparent including either an expression of interest or tender as per the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.
The 12-month temporary licence agreement will allow time for further negotiations in relation to a new lease for the operation of the Surf Club, and for Council to review its Plan of Management to ensure all requirements for the Surf Club are captured within this Plan of Management.
During this time the proposed new lease will be placed on public exhibition as per the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, enabling Council to seek comments and submissions from the public.
Gerringong SLSC President Gary George said: "The Club has delivered a new state of the art facility for the benefit of the local community."
"The new clubhouse provides a significant upgrade on our previous facility and provides the perfect base for members to continue to keep the beach-going public safe during their time at Werri Beach.
"The club looks forward to working closely with council in the negotiation of a new lease for the facility which will ensure we can continue to provide patrolling and emergency response services to the local community", Mr George said.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: "We're thrilled to see this project come to fruition, and I hope I speak for the whole community in saying we can't wait to enjoy the new facilities in this incredible seafront location."
"I also extend my thanks to Gerringong SLSC for continuing to keep our beaches safe throughout the season, even while their club house was out of action due to this building project."
