Bundaberg Regional Council has committed to continuing its financial support to Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to patrol local beaches.
The funding will enable SLSQ to keep providing seasonal protection at five local beaches and the year-round availability of a Lifeguard Supervisor.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said Council was pleased to maintain its partnership with SLSQ to keep people safe.
“Here in the Bundaberg Region our beautiful beaches are one of the outstanding features,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Whether you’re playing in the waves at Bargara or on the sand at Moore Park Beach, we want all of those experiences to be safe.
“As an attractive tourist region and as a regular local activity in the Bundaberg region, our continuing partnership with SLSQ helps to ensure our residents and visitors enjoy our beaches and can continue to do so for years to come.”
Council will invest $443,405 per year until 2023.
The funding agreement includes a roving lifeguard in a vehicle, jet ski patrols and a lifeguard supervisor.
SLSQ has been providing these services to local government for three decades.
Council’s sport and recreation portfolio spokesman, Cr Vince Habermann, said the lifeguard service contract would enhance the reputation of the Bundaberg Region as one of Queensland’s premier residential, tourist and recreational precincts.
“The Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club is a long-standing part of the Bargara community, ensuring safe swimming for 100 years.
“They have a thriving nippers cohort, and participation across ages and disciplines of Surf Sports, and I am so pleased that Council can continue the tradition of also supporting Moore Park Beach and Elliott Heads Surf Life Saving Clubs.”
Wide Bay Capricorn Lifesaving Services coordinator, Julie Davis, thanked Council for its ongoing support and partnership.
“It’s fantastic and just shows the great relationship we’ve got with the Bundaberg Regional Council,” she said.
“I’d just like to thank Bundaberg Regional Council for the last 27 years of partnership and remind everyone to make sure that when they do come to the beach, to swim between the red and yellow flags and just enjoy themselves when they come to our beautiful Bundaberg area.”
