Multimillion-dollar plans to fix Newcastle’s ailing SLS clubs, a push for ‘priority’ fix

Newcastle’s surf life saving clubs have been labelled “primitive” and in a state of disrepair, with calls for a “priority” plan. It comes as the Newcastle Independents announce a bold new fix.

“Atrocious” and “primitive”. That’s the state of some of Newcastle’s cash-strapped surf life saving (SLS) clubs according to Hunter Surf Life Saving chief executive officer Rhonda Scruton.

She said the Hunter branch have six clubs in the Newcastle local government area, all managed by Newcastle Council, and some of them so bad they’re crumbling to pieces.

“Everyone is looking at how bad the buildings are, we just need a plan to replace them,” she said.

Cooks Hill Surf Club, Credit: Cooks Hill SLS website

“Newcastle and Cooks Hill (SLS clubs) are in atrocious condition, so when things go wrong and we have to fix it up, we know it’s just going to be bulldozed down.

“At Cooks Hill they’ve had white ants and the floor has been replaced so many times and it is totally concrete cancered out, so is Newcastle.

“Cooks Hill have 1500 members and Newcastle approximately 600 and two ladies toilets, it is disgraceful. It is primitive.”

The Merewether SLS club (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

Merewether SLS club too has “seen out it’s design life” with a leaky roof and structural issues.

It currently has a development proposal in the works for a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, which looks to “significantly” refurbish the ailing clubhouse.

Plans were drawn up in 2018 to build a brand new entry, new patrol rooms, as well as upgrade and create new amenities, at a cost of around $6 million.

But they’re being told they can’t submit the DA until a coastal management plan is in place for Newcastle.

“I understand Council is trying to be careful and do their due diligence but all we’re asking for is permission to lodge,” Merewether SLS club committee member and structural engineer Anthony Tietze said.

“The biggest hurdle should and will be funding and we’re well aware of that, and you’re really not taken seriously unless you’ve got a development approval in your hand.

“We just want help wherever we can get it.”

In 2016, Cooks Hill SLS Club spent member funds on stage one of a major redevelopment of their building, but stage two is still in the works and funding is being sought to complete that.

Also, all SLS clubs except Nobby’s, are having trouble applying for some of their funding, with lease arrangements up in the air, which Hunter SLS is trying to resolve.

Ms Scruton said the Hunter branch saves hundreds of lives every year and they’re helping to produce future leaders, hence why the upgrade of all clubs needs to be a priority for Newcastle Council.

One of the six Newcastle SLS clubs that needs an upgrade. Dixon Park SLS Club. Credit: Google maps

“We’ve had a very long battle in a very fallen down buildings that have certainly passed their used by dates and were built for 60 men 60 years ago,” she said.

“We’re asking to give us an asset plan, a strategic plan, because we spend a fortune putting band-aids on them for them to fall off within 12 months.

“It’s hard earned volunteer money they were putting into it because Council hasn’t put money into surf clubs for years. It’s frustrating. We’re looking for support.”

It comes as the Newcastle Independents announced on Friday a bold new multimillion plan to refurbish all six of Newcastle’s SLS clubs, starting with Merewether and Newcastle, if elected at local government elections in December.

At an estimated cost of $7 million per club – or $42 million in total – they’re hoping to strike a 50/50 deal with State and Federal Governments to refurbish all clubs over a number of years.

Their plan, to build a new surf life saving club every two years.

“We know the clubs need more certainty around their leasing arrangements with the Council, to be able to plan for their future financial viability,” Lord Mayoral candidate John Church said.

Independent Newcastle councillor John Church and his team have proposed a bold multimillion-dollar plan to upgrade SLS clubs across Newcastle. Credit: Facebook

“Our beaches are some of the best on the east coast, and we want surf life saving clubs that are fit for purpose and up to scratch.

“This includes disability access, better facilities for women and children and additional storage for life saving equipment, to provide quality spaces for functions, events, training and community uses.

Mr Church said surf life saving clubs have lost some of their income streams leaving them financially vulnerable.

“The clear neglect of these clubs is the result of Labor’s focus on new projects at the expense of addressing the infrastructure backlog such as surf clubs, footpaths and inland pools,” he added.

“The cost of the fit out of the rented premises at 12 Stewart Ave could have funded almost three surf clubs.”

Ward 2 candidate and Merewether local, PJ Fallon added, “While we need to be mindful of climate change impacts and sea level rise, it’s time to resolve these issues and get on with the job”.

“Some of the surf clubs in Newcastle are in dire need of replacement, which is what the Newcastle Independents are promising to do.”

Supplied Editorial Newcastle City mayor Nuatali Nelmes. Picture: Supplied.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud to have delivered more than $11 million in improvements to local surf lifesaving clubs over the past seven years.

“Over that same time, we have also proudly provided $420,000 in cash to Hunter Surf Lifesaving,” she said.

Ms Nelmes questioned the Newcastle Independents plans, asking what services would be cut to fund the multimillion-dollar promise.

“This is just more blank cheque promises and spin from suspended Councillor Kath Elliott’s replacement and her Independents party running mate John Church,” she added.

“The independent party have voted against the $11.5 million Labor has invested in surf clubs. Church again shows his ignorance of the City‘s finances.”

A City of Newcastle spokesperson added it had gone to great pains to explain to surf clubs that a Coastal Management Program signed off by the Minister for Local Government is a legislative requirement of the NSW Government.

“Given this, it would be irresponsible to support building new surf clubs using tens of millions of dollars of ratepayers money until we have the evidence to know whether surf club locations are safe from future coastal erosion,” they said.

“In the meantime City of Newcastle has already placed almost $4 million into restricted funds to help fund the construction of new surf clubs. But to support their construction now without the approval of a Coastal Management Plan would be highly irresponsible.”