“The $10 million plan released by the Coalition would provide surf clubs across Australia with average grants of $5,000 to assist surf clubs purchase much needed equipment over the next five years”, said Mr Tehan.
27 January 2012
The Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, has welcomed the release of the first stage of the Coalition’s Plan to Reduce Drownings and said the plan will assist surf clubs such as Port Campbell, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland along the coast of south west Victoria.
“The $10 million plan released by the Coalition would provide surf clubs across Australia with average grants of $5,000 to assist surf clubs purchase much needed equipment over the next five years”, said Mr Tehan.
“The funding would be directed towards the purchase of vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies. Priority will be given to surf clubs with identified equipment deficiencies.
“A typical surf club spends $3,000 a year on medical supplies like lotions, band-aids and bandages, so these grants will help our surf clubs to make ends meet.
“Our local surf clubs do a fantastic job as the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott and myself witnessed when we visited Port Fairy SLSC in December 2010. They teach water safety to hundreds of kids each year and rescue many who find themselves in trouble in the surf.
“Our beaches are beautiful but conditions on our southern coastline can change very quickly and they can be very dangerous.
“It is because of the volunteers in our surf clubs that we can all enjoy the beach and feel safe doing so. This policy recognises the work of our surf life savers in saving thousands of lives every year.
“In 2010/11, 315 people lost their lives through drowning on our beaches and waterways, in homes and through floods across Australia. Fortunately, our surf life savers rescued thousands of others.
“The Coalition’s $10 million plan also includes funding for an expansion of the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Programme.
“It’s not only surf life saving that do a great job in improving water safety, Life Saving Victoria, the Royal Life Saving Society and AUSTSWIM also do a terrific job in raising awareness of water safety for many Australians who live away from our coastlines.
“The Coalition will release plans to also tackle drownings on waterways and in households later this year.”
-ENDS- Media Contact: Rachelle Miller 03 5572 1100 or 0408 564 232
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