Whitlam MP Stephen Jones and Labor candidate for Gilmore Fiona Phillips have promised two Kiama surf clubs more than $500,000 in funding should a Shorten led Labor government take the reins.
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The funding would go towards vital equipment and capital works upgrades, which support the activities of volunteers and the safety of beach-goers as well as the viability of amenities at Kiama and Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Clubs.
"There is nothing better than heading to one of the beautiful beaches on the south coast for a swim in summer, and knowing that our surf lifesavers will be there to keep us safe,” Mrs Phillips said.
“I’m very proud of Labor’s commitment to upgrade equipment and facilities.
“I’ve got the back of our local surf lifesavers, because we all know they’ve got ours.”
Mrs Phillips said local clubs provided much loved and iconic venues for people to meet, learn and celebrate.
“These facilities need a bit of an upgrade to continue to remain fit for purpose,” she said.
"A failure at sea of a Jet Boat or an IRB motor could put lives at risk, putting off the maintenance of the clubhouse with the harsh coastal conditions for a year too long, is a false economy. This is a smart investment that demonstrates my commitment to our community.”
The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, which has 423 members, would receive $214,000 for:
- Two motors on Inflatable Rescue Boats used in patrols and rescues.
- A new ATV Rhino beach vehicle used in patrols and rescues.
- An upgrade of the clubhouse and car park for improved community use and amenity.
The Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club, which has 512 members, would receive $367,000 for:
- A Jet Boat used for rescues.
- Four resuscitation manikins and two Heart Starter Trainers used for surf lifesaver training.
- An upgrade the clubhouse and landscaping for improved community use and amenity.
“Labor is able to fund local commitments like these because it has made a number of financial decisions such as the ‘Their Fair Share’ package, which will close tax loopholes exploited by multinational companies and improve the budget bottom line by $5.4 billion over the decade,” Mr Jones said.