SORRENTO Surf Life Saving Club will receive an extension to a $1 million grant for a new $5.5 million clubhouse, despite the club not yet having a land lease and there being a “risk” that the development will not go ahead.
The club, built in 2002 to meet the then demand for life saving services, was first offered the money by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in late 2021, but that two-year agreement expired because the club was unable to secure a lease with the land owner, Parks Victoria.
The not-for-profit club, which will add the council cash to state government and philanthropic contributions, wants a larger clubhouse that includes separate change rooms, a youth lounge, a cafe and function room, commercial kitchen and 22 bunk beds and showers for people needing emergency or relief accommodation.
A report to council’s Tuesday 14 May public meeting by recreation managers Rebecca Levy and Mark Stahel, and financial officer Bulent Oz, noted that the project may not be delivered by 2026, due to the “complexity of the approvals required”, design adjustments and timeframe of procurement.
The club must provide relevant information required to meet grant “requirements” by 28 June 2026 but if the project does not go ahead, the $1 million must be refunded to the shire within five years. The original approval for the $1 million came under fire two years ago when Cr David Gill said the club had “jumped the budget queue” and should not be considered. “Where we have grants, it has to be fair,” he said.
At the time the application was originally approved, Gill said it was “one of the worst decision council had ever made”.
Gill said he still felt that way, and original concerns about the size of the structure and erosion were still relevant.
Mechelle Cheers of the Rye Community Group Alliance also said at the time that she was “incredulous” the request for money was approved, given her group’s inability to secure money for much needed rubberised flooring at the Rye community playground. “We have tried four times through the formal process and been given nonsensical reasons for rejection, even though we tick all the boxes,” she said at the time.
In the most recent council report it was noted that the Sorrento project had “significant benefit to the community”, even though it would not be on council owned land. The report stated that “at a $1 million investment for council for a return of a $5.5 million facility and improved services for the community, it does represent good value for council”.
The money would be provided for the next two financial years, subject to life saving club securing enough money to undertake the development.
The not-for profit volunteer emergency service has more than 570 active members. Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club was contacted for comment. Parks Victoria district manager Georgia Kerr said Parks Victoria supported the club’s proposal which was “going through the detailed planning and consenting process for a development on public land”.
“We’re continuing to work with the club on their application, alongside the council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.”
First published in the Mornington News – 21st May 2024
