First round of historic funding package allocated to Surf Life Saving Queensland as our life savers go to Parliament

• First round of historic funding package issued to Surf Life Saving Queensland
• Every club in Queensland to benefit
• The funding is part of a ten year $125 million total package

The first round of funding from an historic package that will deliver $125 million over ten years to Surf Life Savers has been issued.

Every surf club in Queensland is receiving funding from the watershed funding agreement.

It comes as Surf Life Saving Queensland members met with Parliamentary representatives at a special function at Parliament House – the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Queensland event.

The first round of funds range from $22,500 to $82,000 and are part of $12 million in funding this financial year.

Each club has specific needs and will use the funds accordingly.

For example, some clubs are using the funding to upgrade their first aid rooms, while others are purchasing much needed lifesaving equipment to enhance their lifesaving capability. 

In addition to the individual club funding, Surf Life Saving Queensland has advised that nearly $10 million of this financial year’s funding package will be directed to significant capital works programs.

The massive uplift in funding will support Surf Life Saving Queensland’s vital service and help save lives on Queensland beaches.

The record $125 million investment in Surf Life Saving Queensland is the biggest in the nation and builds on the current four-year $30 million commitment delivered by the Government from 2020, due to conclude at the end of this financial year.

The commitment includes funding for a 10-year service level agreement which will commence in the 2024-25 financial year, and an immediate boost to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.

More than 35,000 Queenslanders are volunteer members of a surf lifesaving club and more than 462,000 are a member of an affiliated supporters club.

It’s hoped the boost will help grow volunteer and club numbers even further.

$113 million over 10 years for the Service Agreement will provide certainty and to support SLSQ’s long-term plans, including increasing membership, and integrating with the Government Wireless Network.

The remaining $12 million capital boost is being delivered to Surf Life Saving Queensland this financial year, so they can commence the roll out upgrades to facilities and equipment at clubs across the state, as soon as possible.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan:

“Every Queenslander knows how valuable the work of our Surf Life Savers is.

“Every time we go to the beach the Surf Life Savers are there watching over everyone to keep them safe.

“It is therefore only fitting that we show our support for the life-saving service which runs along virtually the entirety of Queensland’s coastline.

“The 10-year service agreement locks in certainty for Surf Life Saving Queensland and gives them an enhanced capacity to plan into the future.

“Surf Clubs up and down the coast do so much for Queenslanders, and I am particularly proud to see the $12 million being directly invested into every club, from this financial year.”

Quotes attributable Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“The Queensland Police Service is proud to partner with an organisation such as SLSQ who is also committed to keeping the community safe.

“We look forward to continuing to champion important public safety initiatives now and well into the future by supporting SLSQ’s programs, as our organisations move forward together.”

 Quotes attributable to Dave Whimpey, CEO, Surf Life Saving Queensland

“SLSQ welcomes the historic funding for our iconic organisation. 

The 10-year funding agreement provides security and sustainability so our lifesavers can focus on doing what they do best - saving lives. 

Every surf club in Queensland will benefit from this record investment in surf life saving. 

Parliamentary friends of SLSQ is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with local representatives and demonstrate how we serve their communities.”

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