Shire orders ‘risk safety in the surf’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PUBLIC safety on one of the region’s most popular beaches is at risk after Surf Coast Shire issued a closure notice against Torquay’s lifesaving club, according to its president.
Ian Turner said the shire’s list of rectification works would affect the club’s ability to maintain patrols.
“It will impact incredibly on getting patrol numbers on the beach and our first-aid facility is in jeopardy,” Mr Turner said.
“Technically, we’d be acting in breach of the notice and it has major implications for our insurance issues as well.
“All bunkroom accommodation at the club will have to come to a halt this week.”
Mr Turner said the club had engaged Geelong building contractor McColls Constructions to liaise with the shire.
“We’ve been in dialogue with the shire over the past four weeks but we weren’t getting too far. The contractors are liaising with council about the rectification works like the fire and stairs issues.
“Council has presented us with a list of requirements just eight weeks from patrol season and it’s put enormous pressure on us.”
Mr Turner said the club also faced a $100,000 shortfall on the $400,000 cost of replacing its roof, which contained asbestos.
“We’re grateful to member for South Barwon Andrew Katos for a grant of $300,000 toward that work but we have a lot of chook raffles to go.
“Now we’re also faced with rectification works required by council, like fire walls, fire doors and a sprinkler system costing $180,000.”
Mr Turner said the shire had encouraged more people to Torquay through tourism and housing developments, increasing pressure on lifesaving services.
“But we’re not getting one inch of help from local bodies to help maintain the patrol service.
“We have up to 15,000 people on a hot day all under our supervision but don’t get a penny to assist the club in maintaining patrols for the beach.
“Local authorities take our services for granted but we’re a volunteer organization and our existing resources are strained.
“We need someone to stand up for all the years of service the club has provided. Without it, the next two to five years are not going to be sustainable.”
Mr Turner said the shire should postpone its requirement for major works to the end of the beach season.
Surf Coast Shire refuses to answer questions from the Independent.