Forster Surf Life Saving Club has entered into an exclusive, two year agreement with Club Forster to develop a new club house.
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The exclusivity deed was announced at the Club Forster Sporties Tuncurry annual general meeting on Monday, October 23.
Presenting her report, Club Forster president, Claire Fletcher said: “I am extremely pleased and proud of the terrific achievements reached so far between my board and representatives of Forster Surf Life Saving Club in their joint efforts to build a brand new state-of-the-art surf club on Forster Main Beach for all the community to enjoy.
“We have recently signed an exclusivity deed which will allow both clubs to continue its negotiations in reaching a satisfactory agreement on design, space for administration, surf life saving equipment and social activities.”
In a media release, Club Forster CEO, Peter Clarke described the alliance as innovative and unique.
He said it was a partnership that would enrich the Great Lakes and ensure the provision of life saving services for many years to come.
The clubs have applied to the State government for a joint, long-term lease of the Crown Land.
“The proposed plans will increase public amenity, provide improved and disabled access to Forster beach, create new jobs and deliver seamless integration for the operations of a registered club, surf club and use by the public,” the media release said.
“For years FSLSC has struggled to juggle the costs of providing and maintaining adequate premises, training their members and carrying out their role patrolling the coastline.”
According to Mr Clarke the two clubs have enjoyed a long, financial partnership.
“In 1973 when the surf club house was destroyed by gale force winds, Club Forster quickly stepped in along with others as a major financial contributor towards its rebuild and to ensure the club quickly got back on its feet.
“A similar predicament now exists where the current club occupies a building that is not fit for purpose.”
He said the partnership would release the burden on successive local, State and Federal governments to maintain and assist to build lifesaving clubs in NSW.
State member Stephen Bromhead applauded the initiative.
“I support the project by the Forster Surf Life Saving club and Club Forster one hundred per cent,” Mr Bromhead said.
“The initiative could be rolled out up and down the coast to assist surf life saving clubs.”
He said the project would be great for the surf club and the community.