Resolutions

SURF LIFE SAVING SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:42): I move:

That for the purposes of section 13(7) of the West Beach Recreation Reserve Act 1987, this Council approves the grant by the West Beach Trust of a lease to Surf Life Saving South Australia Incorporated for a period of 50 years of portion of the West Beach Recreation Reserve, being such portion of the land contained in Certificate of Title Register Book Volume 5867, Folio 283, as is determined by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, for use for the operation of surf life saving emergency services (including administration, storage of operation craft, life saving academy, communications centre, training rooms, supporting gear and equipment storage) and for the construction of such buildings and other works for that purpose as are specified or authorised in the lease.

This is a simple matter that requires both houses of parliament to pass a resolution approving a 50 year lease of a parcel of West Beach Trust land to Surf Life Saving South Australia. Surf Lifesaving South Australia is the key agency for beach safety in South Australia and provides the vital services of beach safety education, incident prevention and search and rescue.

Surf Life Saving South Australia is currently operating its communications function from Lonsdale and its administration services from cramped facilities at Torrensville, and vessels are stored at various locations, including the homes of staff and club members. It is crucial that this community organisation continues to educate and protect South Australians enjoying our coast, and to this end adequate and centralised facilities for staff and equipment are essential.

In its 2009-10 budget, the government announced $1.1 million in funding for new emergency services facilities for Surf Life Saving SA. The board of the West Beach Trust has approved in principle the offer of a 50 year lease to Surf Life Saving South Australia to develop Surf Central. The headquarters for administration, training and delivery of life saving emergency services will be on 4,600 square metres of land near the corner of Barcoo and Military Roads within the West Beach recreation reserve.

In recognition of Surf Live Saving South Australia's important community service role, Adelaide Shores has offered a mutually beneficial lease that includes a sponsorship component to reinforce both organisations values of active lifestyles and social interaction. Surf Central will be a modern and visually appealing new building designed to minimise environmental impact in accordance with the environmental principles of the government, Surf Life Saving South Australia and Adelaide Shores. Total construction costs are estimated at $3.6 million. The $1.1 million in government funding will be used to construct the operation centre. The remainder of the funds will be obtained through the sale of the existing facility at Torrensville, from existing Surf Life Saving SA reserves and a loan.

Surf Central will be complementary to existing facilities within the Barcoo Road precinct, including the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron, and it will create opportunities for Adelaide Shores accommodation guests from Adelaide and regional areas to develop water safety skills and enjoy the coast in a safe environment. I commend the motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.W. Ridgway.