State Government announces $125m, 10 year, Surf Life Saving QLD funding partnership

The state government has announced the biggest deal of its kind in history with Surf Life Saving Queensland, as they commit to keeping Queensland’s beaches safe. WATCH THE VIDEO.

The Queensland government has announced a whopping $125m deal with Surf Life Saving Queensland over 10 years, the biggest partnership of its kind in history, working to keep Qld beaches safe.

Premier Steven Miles revealed today, Friday, January 12, at the Maroochydore Surf Club, the new agreement starts on July 1, 2024 and is the biggest partnership of its kind in the history of Surf Life Saving Queensland.

The record investment in Surf Life Saving Queensland is the biggest in the nation and builds on the current four-year $30m commitment delivered by the government from 2020. It is due to conclude at the end of this financial year.

Premier Steven Miles announces $125m, 10 year, Life Saving QLD funding partnership. Picture - Madeline Grace.

The new commitment includes funding for a 10-year service level agreement starting in the 2024-25 financial year, and an immediate boost to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.

More than 35,000 Queenslanders are volunteer members of a surf life saving club and more than 462,000 are a member of an affiliated supporters club, but it is hoped the investment will grow volunteer and club numbers even further.

It was announced $113m over 10 years for the service agreement would support SLSQ’s long-term plans, including integrating with the Government Wireless Network.

The remaining $12m capital boost will be delivered to Surf Life Saving Queensland this financial year, so they can commence the roll out upgrades to facilities and equipment at clubs across the state, as soon as possible.

Premier Steven Miles said more than 35,000 volunteer surf life savers had kept Queensland’s beaches safe this year.

“We want to make sure they have everything they need to continue this great work,” he said.

Premier Steven Miles announces $125m, 10 year, Life Saving QLD funding partnership. Picture - Madeline Grace.

“We know investing in SLSQ will mean even safer beaches for Queenslanders and for the hundreds of thousands of tourists who travel here every year to enjoy our amazing coastline.”

Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan said the agreement was a “game changer” and gives Surf Life Saving Queensland “more certainty” and “ability to plan into the future”.

Premier Steven Miles announces $125m, 10 year, Life Saving QLD funding partnership. Picture - Madeline Grace.

“Surf Clubs up and down the coast do so much for Queenslanders, and I am particularly proud to see the $12m being directly invested into every club, from this financial year,” he said.

“It can be used to upgrade and enhance facilities or buy new and improved lifesaving technology and equipment.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the Queensland Police Service has maintained a strong relationship with Surf Life Saving Queensland for nearly a century.

“Our two organisations not only work together through our many waterways, but also in the sky, with our recent long-term contract being renewed for Surf Life Saving Queensland to provide our POLAIR services.

“I look forward to our two organisations continuing their strong relationship for the next 10 years and beyond.”

Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan. Picture - Madeline Grace

Surf Life Saving Queensland President Gerard O’Brien said the deal will help local clubs safe lives on Queensland beaches.

“This long-term funding agreement will ensure our dedicated lifesavers can continue to do what they do best – save lives,” he said.

“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 lifesaving capability so we can achieve this mission.

“It is dedicated Queenslanders who patrol our beaches and work tirelessly to keep the community safe. This funding is an investment in them and an acknowledgement of the valuable service they provide to Queensland.”

Mr O’Brien said the deal allows for surf life savers to work closer with emergency services than ever before, with the government’s wireless network allowing emergency services to integrate with lifesavers.

Dave Whimpey, CEO of Surf Life Saving QLD. Picture - Madeline Grace

Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Dave Whimpey said North Queensland clubs without as much support, or pokie machines, who relied on fundraising would be priorities.

“If you do the math it’s about $20,000 a club...we’ve done an audit and there is ranking of priorities from top to bottom,” he said.

“I’ve got one club that spent 10 years raising $100,000. For them, $200,000 is like 20 years of raising money through a BBQ.”

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt and Nicklin MP Rob Skelton both said the deal would ensure everyone could continue to enjoy the beaches safely.