Northern Beaches Council is ensuring security of tenancy for 16 Surf Life Saving Clubs, from Manly in the south to Palm Beach in the north, by granting 20-year leases.
The new tenancy agreements, all backdated to 1 July 2022, have been implemented to give the 16 individual surf clubs surety of tenure. The leases previously ranged between 10 – 20 years, but the terms for the majority had expired. (The clubs all pay their own rental fees, which is set at the Crown Lands minimum rent.)
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan explained the unconditional offer. “Providing these clubs with security in relation to tenure over the coming 20 years allows them to plan for their ongoing, long-term operations and make capital investment in their Surf Life Saving facilities.
“Community consultation conducted earlier this year was overwhelmingly supportive of the SLSC lease renewals,” he continued. “Many respondents mentioned the invaluable service these organisations provide to the community.
“Council values these services, and the great community interaction the clubs provide.”
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) responded enthusiastically to the announcement. A spokesperson told Manly Observer, “Security of tenure has been identified by SLSNSW as a critical issue for Surf Life Saving Clubs and the ability for their volunteers to continue to provide critical aquatic safety services to the beach going public.
“Northern Beaches Council has been a leader in ensuring the surf clubs in the area have that certainty with these 20 year leases, as well as identifying defined responsibilities around the upkeep and development of these facilities well into the future.”
Although there are actually 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs serving Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly Observer understands the five not included in the long-lease deal are otherwise catered for. Three of the five, Narrabeen, Avalon and Dee Why, have years remaining on their existing leases that don’t require renewal and extension at this stage.
Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club is on private property, so their leasehold is managed by the landowner.
The fifth, Manly Life Saving Club, holds a lease that expires on 13 February 2025. However, as reported recently in Manly Observer, they are in discussions with award-winning architects Terroir to design a completely new building, which will involve demolition of the outdated premises they currently occupy on South Steyne.
Surf Life Saving NSW praised Northern Beaches Council for the generous offer. A spokesperson said, “SLSNSW considers the arrangements in place for clubs on the northern beaches are among the best in NSW.
“The clubs and their frontline volunteers are freed up to focus on what they do best – providing patrols, beach safety education, nippers and surf sports to the community. SLSNSW welcomes the Northern Beaches Council’s proactive and collaborative approach they have taken to ensure club leases have been addressed with a long term view.”
The 16 Surf Life Saving Clubs to benefit from the 20-year lease arrangements are, from south to north:
North Steyne (Manly Beach); Queenscliff; Freshwater; South Curl Curl; North Curl Curl; Long Reef; Collaroy; South Narrabeen; North Narrabeen; Mona Vale; Newport; Warriewood; Bungan Beach; Bilgola Beach; Whale Beach and North Palm Beach.
SLSC NSW
https://www.surflifesaving.com.au
To get involved with Surf Life Saving
https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/get-involved/our-clubs-and-branches/
