Lifeguards may benefit from funds

THURSDAY night's Coffs Harbour City Council meeting may be the last one to be chaired by long-serving but soon-to-retire councillor Jenny Bonfield.

THURSDAY night's Coffs Harbour City Council meeting may be the last one to be chaired by long-serving but soon-to-retire councillor Jenny Bonfield.

In the absence of both the mayor and deputy mayor, Cr Bonfield was called to the chair for the quick and uneventful meeting.

The last item of business was possibly the most important as it dealt with a proposal to use funds collected from developers to build secure storage sheds for lifeguard patrol and rescue equipment at six local beaches.

The council is now asking for feedback from the local community for its points of view. As well as being viewed in the council's administrative centre for a 30-day period, the draft plan can also be viewed on the council's website.

Developer contributions are made by companies and individuals as part of the costs associated with subdividing property and other developments. The funds are used to help pay for a range of community infrastructure such as playgrounds, drainage and , community centres.

Surf rescue equipment is another community resource that is able to be funded from developer contributions.

With increases in the level of lifeguard patrol activities throughout the city, the need for secure storage facilities for patrol and rescue equipment has become apparent.

"Having storage sheds so this equipment can be located at these beaches will inevitably help improve the safety of the public," Cr Jenny Bonfield said.

Originally published as Lifeguards may benefit from funds