The Morrison Government’s investment in Surf Life Saving Australia’s Beach Safety Equipment Fund has helped Cairns, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas surf lifesaving clubs purchase vital lifesaving equipment to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Cairns, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas surf lifesaving clubs have been an essential part of the local community for generations.
“I am pleased these clubs were able to access $10,000 from the government to purchase vital lifesaving equipment to keep people safe and help prevent drownings in Far North Queensland,” Mr Entsch said.
“With this funding Cairns surf lifesaving club was able to buy vital rescue equipment including an IRB trailer, rescue boards, a fuel cell, radios and oxygen resuscitation equipment.
“Ellis Beach was able to purchase an outboard motor surf kit, IRB accessories and rescue boards.
“Port Douglas purchased radios, spinal management equipment, defibrillators and rescue boards.”
“The funding is an important boost for surf lifesaving clubs like Cairns, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas where volunteers, who have already performed thousands of patrol hours this season, rely on the best skills and equipment to keep people safe.
“It comes at a critical time because, like many organisations across Australia, surf lifesaving clubs have been affected by a drop in fundraising revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Federal Sport Minister Richard Colbeck said the government’s contribution to each of the 314 surf lifesaving clubs around Australia has assisted them in buying critical equipment from life jackets and rescue manikins though to inflatable rescue boats and defibrillators,
“Australia’s volunteer surf lifesavers spend their days responding to emergencies, preventing drownings and saving lives. They are critical to the Australian way of life,” Mr Colbeck said.
The Morrison Government provided an additional $3.1 million over two years from 2020-21 to double funding to SLSA for the Beach Safety Equipment Fund so each clubs was able to access $10,000 to purchase vital lifesaving equipment.
From 2018–19, the government has provided $9.1 million to surf lifesaving clubs through the Beach Safety Equipment Fund.
