Biggest ever lifesaving partnership to keep Queenslanders safe on our beaches

• The Miles Government will partner with Surf Life Saving Queensland through a new $125 million ten year service agreement
• The new agreement will commence on 1 July 2024 and is the biggest partnership of its kind in the history of Surf Life Saving Queensland
• Every one of Surf Life Saving Queensland’s clubs will benefit from the boost

The Miles Government has announced Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) will receive a massive uplift in funding, to help continue the 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 will be 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 Premier Steven Miles:

“Nothing says Queensland more than a day at the beach between the red and yellow flags.

“The Sunshine state is home to the best beaches in the world and without a doubt the best and most dedicated lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers in the world.

“Our over 35,000 volunteer surf lifesavers have kept our beaches safe this year and we want to make sure they have everything they need to continue this great work.

“We know investing in SLSQ will mean even safer beaches for Queenslanders and for the hundreds of thousands of tourists who travel here every year to enjoy our amazing coastline.”

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

“This 10-year service agreement will be a game changer.

“It gives Surf Life Saving Queensland more certainty and more ability 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.

“It can be used to upgrade and enhance facilities or buy new and improved lifesaving technology and equipment."

Quotes attributable Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll:

“The Queensland Police Service has had a proud and strong relationship with Surf Life Saving Queensland for over 90 years and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the extension of this service level funding agreement. 

“Our two organisations not only work together through our many waterways, but also in the sky, with our recent long-term contract being renewed for Surf Life Saving Queensland to provide our POLAIR services. 

“I look forward to our two organisations continuing their strong relationship for the next 10 years and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to Gerard O’Brien, President of Surf Life Saving Queensland 

“Surf Life Saving Queensland is proud of our long history protecting Queensland beaches and serving the community.

“This long-term funding agreement will ensure our dedicated lifesavers can continue to do what they do best – save lives.

“Our mission is zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters and this funding will ensure we can invest in our members, our equipment and our lifesaving capability so we can achieve this mission.

“It is dedicated Queenslanders who patrol our beaches and work tirelessly to keep the community safe. This funding is an investment in them and an acknowledgement of the valuable service they provide to Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:

“The Sunshine Coast is the home to some of Australia’s best beaches and this investment in Surf Life Saving Queensland ensures local clubs and clubs across Queensland have what they need so tourists and locals can continue to enjoy Queensland beaches safely.”

Quotes attributable to Nicklin MP Rob Skelton:

“Thousands of Queenslanders head to the beach each and every day and every visitor knows the red and yellow flags.

“This exciting investment will help surf lifesaving clubs continue to protect beachgoers across Queensland and right here on the Sunshine Coast.”

ENDS