AN annual levy of between 50 cents and $2 should be added to Eurobodalla rates to fund surf life saving clubs, stakeholders say.
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Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club president Tracy Innes and businessman Stephen Matthews have called for Eurobodalla Shire Council to follow a funding model used on NSW’s North Coast.
Mr Matthews, a member of the council’s business advisory panel, said Coffs Harbour’s surf clubs received a 50 cent annual levy and the idea should be seriously considered to fund capital works, infrastructure and rescue equipment.
“It would make a huge difference,” he said.
“Our region is based on tourism and that comes back to safe beaches, but our surf clubs are struggling.
“We can’t just slug it on the council. The community and businesses must take responsibility, too.”
Mr Matthews said even a temporary levy would help.
Ms Innes said a total of $330,000 in federal and NSW Government grants, and a $60,000 interest-free loan from the shire, were paying for current renovations at her club’s Malua Bay premises.
However, she said that would complete only operational areas and the building to lock-up stage.
Another $150,000 was needed for stage two: a commercial kitchen, bar and auditorium.
“We will complete the back gear sheds, a new first aid room, disabled toilets and showers, and the upstairs radio tower,” she said.
Ms Innes said stage two would include a commercial 100-seat function room to help the club become self-sufficient and also help other not-for-profit groups.
“We need another $150,000 and it can’t come out of the community,” she said.
“I own a business, and I know we just can’t afford to be doing that.
“We have some nasty beaches on the Eurobodalla coast and the number of rescues we do justifies (a levy).”
Ms Innes said she floated the idea of a levy of between 50 cents and $2 several years ago when “the council was struggling to pay for lifeguards”.
She thought the North Coast model could fund all clubs in the shire.
“They have been funding surf clubs for a long time in that way without major dramas,” she said.
Ms Innes said she understood ratepayers might be reluctant, but thought many would support a levy, if they knew how it would be spent.
“I own properties - would I care about 50 cents or a dollar or two dollars,” she asked.
“No, so long as I knew where it was going, but increasing rates for the sake of it or to pay more wages or to become lax is a different story.”
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