Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club has lodged a DA to redevelop and expand its existing clubhouse building and facilities, which will enable it to apply for funding for the project.

A number of club members, the refurbishment committee, have worked tirelessly for the past five years to put this redevelopment plan together.

A representative from the Surf Club explains that the new facility will be a massive upgrade over the current ageing structure and will provide desperately required space for additional storage.

Council has included it on its official wish list as a priority project and members of the refurbishment committee have already met with Gilmore Federal Member Fiona Philips and State Member Gareth Ward.

The Club is very keen to engage with the community to seek feedback and support for the development, and is hosting a Community Engagement night at the clubhouse at the end of the month.

Former president Richard Payne explained at the February Kiama Council Public Access meeting that the region is one of the fastest growing with 280 registered nippers and that the surf club is a focal point of the community.

“But the club house was built in the 1970s,” he said.

“There is subsidence, and one half of the club is slipping already. It is riddled with concrete cancer. I have more than 25 nipper boards at my house and others do too.”

Refurbishment of the club is also part of the Tourism Master plan and club members have been talking to Council representatives for four years.

“Over the past 18 months, we have engaged a local building group [Bluestone Building Group] and have spent $33,000 of the Club’s money. We have a DA design and consultant report ready to be lodged,” Richard said.

“We have made it clear in our meeting with Council staff that we don’t need funding from it.”

He asked Council to let the Club have the opportunity to drive the action, by giving owners’ consent for the DA.

The Club needed to get the DA lodged in order to be eligible to apply for grants.

Some councillors were concerned that this kind of support prioritises this sporting facility over others whose applications have been stalled as council develops a larger Recreation and Open Space Strategic plan.

Community Engagement Evening, Tuesday March 29, at the Surf Club on Pacific Ave, at 7pm.

There is petition on Mr Ward’s website for those who wish to support the new clubhouse: www.garethwardmp.com.au/gerringong_surf_club