- The new nation-leading and record-breaking $125 million-10 year Surf Life Saving Queensland Service Level Agreement (SLA) is rolling out across the state, already benefitting multiple clubs.
- The SLA represents the largest ever funding commitment from the State Government to 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, with recipient clubs of capital grants being announced publicly for the first time today
The largest-ever Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) Service Level Agreement (SLA), representing a nation-leading funding commitment from the Miles Government is now rolling out across the state.
The SLA funding will provide ongoing support for the SLSQ's operational and strategic initiatives, including increasing membership and enhancing lifesaving services along Queensland's vast coastline, emphasising the importance of safety and community services in all regions.
The new SLA funding supports integrating services with the Government Wireless Network (GWN), along with technological capabilities, including upgrading all communications and equipment to assist where appropriate and better integrate with other emergency services.
In addition, as part of the funding SLSQ was also provided with a funding uplift of $12 million in support of equipment and facility upgrades, with each of their 58 clubs benefiting from the financial boost.
The recipient clubs of this funding for facility upgrades include:
- Kawana Waters SLSC - $1,060,000
- Coolangatta SLSC - $1,160,000
- 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
As stated by Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP:
"This milestone funding gives Surf Life Saving Queensland confidence and assurance to be able to plan out their future and the future of Queenslanders on our beaches.
"Surf Clubs up and down the coast do so much for Queenslanders and I am beyond proud to support this new Service Level Agreement.
"This funding will be used to upgrade and enhance facilities or buy new and improved life saving technology and equipment."
As stated by Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:
"I am proud to be part of a government that is providing every possible support to our Surf Lifesavers.
"Here on the Sunshine Coast they play an invaluable role supporting community safety and they deserve every support.
"I know the Caloundra community is incredibly grateful for the work of our lifesavers and 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."
As stated by QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Emergency Management and Coordination Command, Mr Marcus Hill:
"The Queensland Police Service is proud to partner with an organisation such as SLSQ who is also committed to keeping the community safe.
"We look forward to continuing to champion important public safety initiatives now and well into the future by supporting SLSQ's programs, as our organisations move forward together."
As stated by Mr Dave Whimpey, CEO of Surf Life Saving Queensland:
"Surf Life Saving Queensland is proud of our long history protecting Queensland beaches and serving the community.
"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 life saving capability so we can achieve this mission."
