SURF LIFE SAVING SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:21): My question is to the Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Will the minister please explain what efforts the government is making to support Surf Life Saving SA?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:21): Surf Life Saving SA is a highly valued community organisation which is the key agency for beach safety in South Australia and which provides a vital role in building healthy communities through physical activity, youth development, training and education.

In 2004, Surf Life Saving SA moved from its West Lakes site to its current premises at Torrensville. This was only ever considered to be an interim move, and since then a number of factors, such as tremendous growth in membership numbers of 5.42 per cent in 2007 alone, have resulted in the organisation outgrowing these premises. Ongoing financial support from the state government for operational funding, and a $10 million grant from the federal government to establish the National Lifesaving Academy, which includes a centre of excellence in each state, has led to SLSSA outgrowing the Torrensville building.

With this in mind, in the 2009-10 budget the Rann Labor government provided $1.1 million in funding for new emergency services facilities for Surf Life Saving SA. After years of operating from cramped and inadequate premises, Surf Life Saving SA has finally found a new home at Adelaide Shores at West Beach. Adelaide Shores has approved the development on land near the corner of Military and Barcoo roads, and it will provide ongoing financial support to this important community service.

With vital government assistance, SLSSA will construct a modern and visually appealing new building, Surf Central, to house its headquarters. Surf Central will also provide a base for emergency craft and radio communications as well as training and administration facilities as part of stage 2 of the development. Surf Central will be highly complementary to the boating precinct at Adelaide Shores, which already includes the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron facility. The building will be designed to minimise environmental impact, in accordance with the stringent environmental principles of the state government, SLSSA and Adelaide Shores, and the development will contribute to Adelaide Shores' ongoing commitment to provide a safe and active holiday and recreation destination for South Australians and tourists alike.

The Surf Central building is an excellent example of South Australian government agencies working together for the benefit of all South Australians. The development was identified as an opportunity through the master planning process for the Adelaide Shores boating precinct. In terms of benefit to SLSSA, the Surf Central development resolves all the housing and facility inadequacies faced by the society; it also reduces costs, creates operational efficiencies, and ensures that Surf Life Saving South Australia complies with building codes.

Along with the tremendous benefits to Surf Life Saving SA, the establishment of Surf Central at Adelaide Shores is expected to add to the vibrancy and viability of the boating precinct by attracting additional people to the area. Commercial, semi-commercial and community organisations already based at West Beach such as the Adelaide Sailing Club and the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron will also benefit from increased exposure and additional trade for commercial services such as restaurant and function facilities. As the minister responsible for Adelaide Shores, I am very pleased that my colleague the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing was successful in providing this significant grant to Surf Live Saving SA so that it can construct this new facility at West Beach.