With news that Copacabana and Terrigal Surf Life Saving Clubs are at risk of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in vital funding, Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch are calling for an immediate intervention to safeguard the clubs’ much needed funding.
Mr Crouch said that he had raised the matter in the NSW Parliament and written to the Minister for Sport, however no confirmation as to whether the clubs would receive their funding had been forthcoming.
“Copacabana and Terrigal Surf Clubs are looking down the barrel of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in vital infrastructure funding and it shows that this government is absolutely tone deaf to the concerns that we have raised.”
“Sadly, we saw a number of drownings this season on beaches around the Central Coast which is a stark reminder that while we have some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW, they can also be some of the most dangerous.”
“This is why it is vital that funding from the Surf Club Facility Program for these clubs be provided and not be under threat from this government that is simply out of its depth.”
Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos said the situation was of great concern for Copacabana and Terrigal Surf Life Saving Clubs and that the Minns Labor Government must ensure that the clubs receive their funding.
“I am calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide the nearly $900,000 worth of funding to Central Coast surf clubs, so that they can get back to doing what they do best; saving lives instead of navigating bureaucratic red tape.” said Ms. Petinos.
Mr Crouch said that the investment from the Surf Club Facility Program ensures that all Surf Life Saving Clubs have the most up-to-date and appropriate facilities to help protect the community and visitors alike on the Central Coast.
“We are now in a position where this funding is at risk and the government is doing nothing to support our clubs other than continually and unnecessary delaying their upgrades.”
“We will be calling on the Minister to listen to our community and our surf lifesaving clubs and intervene immediately and confirm that this funding will not be removed under any circumstances.” Mr Crouch said.