Hobsons Bay City Council: Altona Surf Life Saving Club volunteers face hundreds in parking fees

Volunteer lifesavers are throwing in the towel ahead of summer at a two popular beaches because the local council is slugging them $50 a day just for parking.

Swimmers at two popular Melbourne beaches could be at risk this summer if they get into trouble in the water with a life saving club losing members because they are being slugged $50 a day for parking just to do their job.

Volunteer Lifesavers who are already on duty at beaches in Altona and Williamstown have copped the heavy hit to the hip pocket because the local council’s parking policy does not exempt them during the patrol season.

Hobsons Bay City Council implemented its Parking Management Strategy for the Altona Beach precinct in May, and despite being contacted by Altona Life Saving Club as early as April about the need for seasonal permits, nothing has been arranged as summer draws near.

Volunteer Lifesavers Peter Henry and daughter Alice, 19, are paying enormous parking fees while volunteering at Altona Beach. Picture: Mark Stewart

Volunteers are required to pay up to $50 per shift and forced to move their car multiple times throughout the day just to avoid parking fines.

ALSC president Lisa Curran said her club had more than 100 members — many from outside the area — who willingly bear many costs associated with their duties such as membership, travel, uniforms and education.

“A number of members have recently resigned as they felt unsupported and unappreciated, given the cost in time and money they have given,” Ms Curran said.

“Having to now pay for the privilege to park, to serve a community, has not been received well.

“The community cannot afford to lose these members who will take with them decades of experience and passion for service to the community.”

A lifesaver running along Altona Beach following a rescue.

According to Ms Curran, the club performed just under 5000 volunteer hours last season, an almost 50 per cent increase on the previous year.

Ms Curran said while their previous submission to council in September was unanimously supported following a petition, the club learned only a fortnight ago that it was merely “an acknowledgment of a worthy idea”.

Peter Henry, who is a member of the club with his daughter, Alice, said: “This situation is just ridiculous. I let the club know that I won’t come back until issue is solved. I’ve been doing it for 11 years, I love what I do, but this is just a bridge too far.’’

At a council meeting on Tuesday night, councillor Daria Kellander moved an urgent business motion that requested council officers provide a report on a new summer foreshore safety parking policy ahead of next month’s meeting.

The policy would consider the needs of both ALSC and Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club (WSLSC) and include the issuance of 10 free seasonal permits between November and April which would exempt holders from both hourly charges and timed parking limits.

Volunteers would need to pay $50 per shift and move the car multiple times or risk a parking ticket. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ms Kellander said volunteers had already resigned over the issue and the club had contacted her earlier in the year after its initial dealings with council had not resolved the issue.

She said not only was it inconvenient but it interfered with vital safety duties and the council should display its appreciation for volunteers.

A Hobsons Bay council spokesman said they had been in discussions with ALSC about parking arrangements since June.

“We’ve had several meetings with them, including the most recent with the president on November 2. We’re in the process of finalising a solution for the club,” the spokesman said.

Life Saving Victoria was approached for comment.