PLSLSC member Alan Joyce, President Mathew Ponsford and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville at the budget funding announcement.
The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club can move ahead with its long-awaited clubhouse redevelopment, after securing $1.5 million in this week’s state budget.
The funding is the kick-start members were hoping for to begin the process of replacing the existing asbestos-riddled facility.
“We’re delighted the money has been confirmed, it's great news," said President Mathew. Ponsford. “What this actually gives us is the biggest fundraising boost so far for the project and we can now move forward from here.
“The total project is $4.5 million and we’ve already started to spend part of that… in architect and associated costs. “
A “capital campaign committee” has been established to drive further fundraising efforts, he said.
“Already behind the scenes they are preparing for a launch in the second half of this year to raise a substantial amount of money and they’ll be seeking donations from corporates, members and the wider community.”
The club will also look for federal government support.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville was in Point Lonsdale on Monday to personally deliver the much-anticipated news.
With drowning statistics rising across the state, it is crucial volunteers have the facilities and equipment they need to meet current and future demand for their services, she said.
“The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club does an excellent job patrolling the dangerous Back Beach and they deserve the best facilities, in the best location from which to continue this work.”
“This is a great win for the dedicated volunteers of the PLSLSC who have worked tirelessly to secure the facilities they need to continue providing a stellar service at one of Victoria’s most dangerous beaches.”
Leading architects Jackson Clements Burrows has created an initial design for the new facility. The two-storey timber building will be triangular in shape, allowing maximum open space onto Ocean Road and minimum impact on neighbours.
“There’s been a total of 11 different consultation sessions over the summer… and the reception has been extremely positive,” Mr Ponsford said.
The Borough cleared the way for the redevelopment in March last year when it agreed to hand over an adjacent block of land on a peppercorn lease.
The funding is the kick-start members were hoping for to begin the process of replacing the existing asbestos-riddled facility.
“We’re delighted the money has been confirmed, it's great news," said President Mathew. Ponsford. “What this actually gives us is the biggest fundraising boost so far for the project and we can now move forward from here.
“The total project is $4.5 million and we’ve already started to spend part of that… in architect and associated costs. “
A “capital campaign committee” has been established to drive further fundraising efforts, he said.
“Already behind the scenes they are preparing for a launch in the second half of this year to raise a substantial amount of money and they’ll be seeking donations from corporates, members and the wider community.”
The club will also look for federal government support.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville was in Point Lonsdale on Monday to personally deliver the much-anticipated news.
With drowning statistics rising across the state, it is crucial volunteers have the facilities and equipment they need to meet current and future demand for their services, she said.
“The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club does an excellent job patrolling the dangerous Back Beach and they deserve the best facilities, in the best location from which to continue this work.”
“This is a great win for the dedicated volunteers of the PLSLSC who have worked tirelessly to secure the facilities they need to continue providing a stellar service at one of Victoria’s most dangerous beaches.”
Leading architects Jackson Clements Burrows has created an initial design for the new facility. The two-storey timber building will be triangular in shape, allowing maximum open space onto Ocean Road and minimum impact on neighbours.
“There’s been a total of 11 different consultation sessions over the summer… and the reception has been extremely positive,” Mr Ponsford said.
The Borough cleared the way for the redevelopment in March last year when it agreed to hand over an adjacent block of land on a peppercorn lease.