Page MP Janelle Saffin today announced Federal funding of $2.3 million towards new facilities for the Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club.
Speaking at the new clubhouse site in Ballina, Ms Saffin said the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, had approved the funding towards the $5.8 million project.
“As always, I’m very pleased to be able to deliver on an election commitment, and this was a project I announced in Ballina during the 2010 election campaign, with the then Regional Development minister, Anthony Albanese.
“The project is to construct a new two-storey surf life saving clubhouse and car park, The clubhouse, will have uninterrupted views of the beach and feature a patrol room, function rooms, café, first aid room and gym. It will replace the old shed and shipping container that has been serving as the club’s facilities.
“The council and the surf lifesaving club have worked very hard on this project and I commend Club President Kris Beavis, and Mayor of Ballina Shire, Phil Silver, for the dedication of both organisations in seeing this project through to this stage.
“The Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club is putting in $300,000 and Ballina Council is providing the balance of around $3.2 million.
“The Development Application has now been submitted and once the details of the funding agreement have been settled, we can expect to see work starting on site sometime early next year.
“When I saw the community need I was happy to throw my support behind their application for funding under the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Grants Program.
“The project will support local jobs during construction and when complete will provide up to date facilities so that the club members and volunteers can continue their great work in keeping our beaches safe.