Construction of a new life saving clubhouse in South Melbourne has begun thanks to the Andrews Labor Government, delivering a major boost to water safety at one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley visited the Beaconsfield Parade site today to turn the first sod on the $7.1 million rebuild.
The project will see South Melbourne Life Saving Club’s ageing, 61-year-old clubhouse replaced with a modern, state-of-the-art building, with works to be completed by October 2019.
The new clubhouse will provide volunteer lifesavers with more space to support their patrols during the summer, as well as year-round facilities for the whole community to enjoy.
The building works will not affect patrols during the 2018-19 summer.
The clubhouse redevelopment is jointly funded by the Labor Government and Port Phillip Council.
South Melbourne Life Saving Club has 360 members, including more than 120 nippers.
Volunteer lifesavers were busy over the 2017-18 summer, performing 348 preventive actions, 34 first-aid treatments and five rescues.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“We are investing millions of dollars in new life saving clubhouses, to ensure lifesavers have the facilities they need to respond to incidents and keep people safe on the water.”
“The current clubhouse is more than 60 years old and is no longer serving members’ needs, so this project will deliver a much-needed boost to lifesavers and the wider South Melbourne and Albert Park communities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
“South Melbourne Life Saving Club and its team of dedicated volunteer lifesavers has a proud history of keeping swimmers and other beachgoers safe. I look forward to seeing these works progress over the next 18 months.”
“We made an election promise to partner with the club to build the 21st century facility they deserve – I’m proud to be delivering on that promise.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020