Record budget locks in historic funding agreement with Surf Life Saving Queensland

Published Tuesday, 11 June, 2024 at 03:30 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Mark Ryan

  • Record budget delivers funding for $125 million ten-year service agreement with Surf Life Saving Queensland
  • $12 million capital boost in 2023-24 already delivering for Surf Life Saving Queensland with upgrades to facilities and equipment rolling out 

The Miles Government’s first budget has delivered an historic $125 million ten-year service agreement with Surf Life Saving Queensland.

The commitment, announced in January 2024 and commencing in the 2024-25 financial year will provide a boost for every surf club in the state.

A $12 million capital boost allocated in the 2023-24 financial year is already supporting the roll out of upgrades to facilities and equipment.

The record $125 million investment in Surf Life Saving Queensland is the biggest in the nation.

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

It’s anticipated the government’s significant investment will support the growth of volunteer and club numbers even further.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Surf Life Saving Queensland is a Queensland institution.

“It’s an organisation built on tradition and has a proud history of supporting our communities. 

“I’m proud that my first budget as Premier will provide our lifesavers with the tools they need to help Queenslanders.

“My government will always back Surf Life Saving Queensland to deliver vital services that keep Queenslanders safe in and around our waterways and beaches.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“Surf life saving clubs are the beating heart of so many Queensland beach communities.

“Making sure that volunteer surf life savers have the equipment and facilities that they need to save lives is so important.

“The Miles Government’s first budget’s strong focus on keeping our communities safe is reflected in this historic investment in SLSQ.”

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“We are very proud of the work that the dedicated staff and volunteers at SLSQ do.  

“SLSQ is an organisation built on a foundation of community service and this funding will ensure that SLSQ staff and volunteers can continue to provide much needed services to the community.  

“It will also allow SLSQ to undertake upgrades to their facilities which is not only great news for SLSQ but also great news for the Queensland community.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Dave Whimpey: 

“SLSQ welcomes the Government’s announcement of additional funding for SLSQ.

“This funding will be used to support our staff and thousands of volunteers to deliver services to Queensland communities.

“This funding will support our vision of through prevention and education zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.  

“The funding is recognition of the great work our staff and volunteers do keeping Queenslanders safe.”

Media contacts  

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444