Robe Surf Lifesaving Club precinct gets green light from council following strong community support

One of SA’s most popular beaches will get a permanent surf lifesaving club after overwhelming support from locals.

Robe Surf Life Saving Club are seeking council approval to construct a $2.3m facility at a carpark off Long Beach. Picture: Facebook

Proposed new $2.3m surf lifesaving clubrooms for one of SA’s most popular beach towns has been given the go-ahead by a council after the project received strong support from the local community.

The development of a new headquarters for Robe Surf Life Saving Club has taken a significant step forward after Robe Council approved a proposed location for the precinct - a on carpark located at Second Ramp, Long Beach - and committed to paying for a third of the cost, or $766,060.

Robe Surf Life Saving Club wants to build a new facility at a carpark off Long Beach. Picture: Surf Life Saving Australia

More than 80 per cent of respondents supported the project, Robe Council found, with people expressing their gratitude for the vital role the club plays in ensuring safety along the local coastline.

The RSLSC is seeking a permanent home after 11 years of operation without a designated headquarters, and has proposed the construction of a single-storey facility consisting of emergency vehicle garaging, first-aid storage, changerooms, toilets and shower facilities, meeting and training rooms and a kiosk at the Long Beach site.

Robe Surf Life Saving Club are seeking council approval to construct a new facility. Picture: Facebook

The project is expected to cost around $2.3m, with the club contributing around $250,000 and the rest from the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission.

The club will now move to the planning phase and seek the community’s input on potential design ideas.

“We are excited to begin the design phase of our new facility, which will be developed with community input,” said club president Kristina Alexander.

Inspiration pictures for club facilities featured on the RSLSC’s website.

“Our vision includes a single-story construction with a low roof line to minimise environmental impact. We aim to use sustainable and local materials, ensuring our facility meets both community and ecological needs.

“The new facility will ensure that our volunteer surf lifesavers will be equipped to be rescue ready to save lives along the popular Robe beach each summer.“

Robe Mayor Lisa Ruffell said the council was proud to support the new project and believed it would have a positive impact on the town.

“Robe is a coastal town that thrives on tourism and having a well-equipped and accessible surf lifesaving club is essential for the safety of our community and visitors alike,” Ms Ruffell said.

“We are proud to support this project, which will enhance our emergency services and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”