Torquay SLSC in for $3.5 million if Coalition win election, as $11m redevelopment plan takes shape
Torquay SLSC’s president has revealed why its clubhouse is in desperate need of a redevelopment, and how close an election promise could get them to making upgrades a reality.
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The state opposition will commit $3.5 million to the redevelopment of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club if it wins government at the November election.
The money would be put towards an $11 million overhaul of the club that’s progressed to detailed design and is undergoing community consultation.
TSLSC president Tiffany Quinlan said the redevelopment would allow the club to welcome more members that could lead to more volunteer beach patrols at Cosy Corner and Fishermans.
“We really want to improve the quality and accessibility of training around the water ... and allow the community to use the club in the off-season,” Ms Quinlan said.
“The building was built in the 1970s and ... there is significant safety issues. We can’t have functions in our own building because we’ve outgrown it.”
The redevelopment would provide wheelchair access to the club and beach and function and event spaces for the community. It would also allow the club to expand its nippers program, inclusive water education programs and its first aid room.
The TSLSC has grown 25 per cent annually in the past three years to 1500 members, and has 130 families on its waiting list for the 2022-23 nippers program.
Ms Quinlan said the 2021-22 nippers program was capped at 500 due to the space limitations.
“We actually had to turn people away this year because we just didn’t have the capacity.”
The redevelopment is supported by $1m from the TSLSC, $500,000 from the Morrison Government but will require another $6m from other sources.
Ms Quinlan said: “We can’t build the new club without state and federal funding.”
Of the proposed Coalition funding, Ms Quinlan said: “This is a significant step forward for us and one that we’re incredibly grateful for. We hope we can get this project off the ground.”
State Liberal MP Richard Riordan, whose Polwarth electorate will include Torquay at the November election, said the existing clubhouse was not fit for purpose.
“For generations, the Torquay SLSC has been a pillar of local sport, culture and community,” Mr Riordan said
“Our plan to upgrade the club and surrounding beachfront will mean more local residents will be able to access and enjoy this outstanding community facility for decades to come.”
Liberal Leader Matthew Guy said life saving clubs are an integral part of coastal communities because they provided young Victorians with the skills needed to be safe in the surf.
“No child should be turned away from nippers because of capacity limits and under a Liberal Nationals Government, that won’t happen again,” Mr Guy said.
“This investment will help ensure no family is denied access to such vital programs.”
Originally published as Torquay SLSC in for $3.5 million if Coalition win election, as $11m redevelopment plan takes shape
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