Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club: New extension plans
A plan of management for a coastal wildlife refuge has to be amended to allow a popular Sydney surf club extend the size of its club house.
Manly
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A popular northern beaches surf club wants to add what the council describes as a “modest” extension to its club building — a new balcony measuring up to 91 sqm.
But the council has to amend a special wildlife refuge management plan first.
If the proposal gets the go-ahead, Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club will put extra secure storage space underneath the proposed first floor balcony to be added to the north side of the building.
The storeroom will hold surf life saving equipment and surf craft.
Because the club is within the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, the council is asking for public submissions on amending the management plan that was drawn up in 2002 by the former Warringah Council a before a decision to let the club extension go ahead.
The club, which has been around since 1912 and has 750 members is included in the sensitive wildlife refuge along with the car park, amenities block, James Meehan Reserve and playground as well as the lagoon itself and surrounding natural area, dunes and beach.
In a report to a council meeting in December, council officers said the wildlife refuge has high conservation value for estuarine plants and animals as well as a number of threatened species of migratory birds.
The proposed new balcony will not have roof or high screens that will impede the ocean views from the surrounding area.
The council confirmed the club house would remain a two-storey building.
“Development is for the purposes of club storage particularly for surf life saving equipment and surf craft and a balcony to meet the current and future needs of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club,” the council said in its report.
“Due to the geographical constraints of the site, which has an access road and public amenities to the north, no further extensions, other than those currently proposed, are likely to be permitted.”
The council conducted a letter box drop to neighbouring residents and businesses and organised a drop in session at the surf club building for people wishing to see the plans and ask questions.
Community environment group, Friends of Dee Why Lagoon, made a submission.
Its secrtary Richard Michell told the Manly Daily that the group had no issue with the proposed extension of the club building.
“We don’t believe it will impact the wildlife refuge,” Mr Michell said.
The Manly Daily has contacted Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club for comment.
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