Surf clubs receive subsidy

Three local surf lifesaving clubs have received a subsidy of $5000 each from Gosford Council to offset the cost of providing lifesaving services and equipment.

Killcare, Ocean Beach and Umina Surf Clubs received the subsidy at Gosford Council's annual cheque presentation recently.

Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the subsidy to each club was one of the many contributions council made to the surf lifesaving community.

"Council also provides $20,000 each year to Central Coast Surf Life Saving to aid its operations.

"This equates to a $65,000 annual investment which we believe is vitally important in helping to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all our residents, as well as our ever growing tourist population.

"Last summer saw over 2.2 million people visit our beautiful beaches while surf club members and council lifeguards were in attendance.

"Council's ongoing support of our surf lifesaving clubs has become a benchmark for other local government areas within Australia," said mayor Cr McKinna.

Using the Water Safety Levy, council has also purchased a range of equipment for use by both council lifeguards and surf lifesaving volunteers.

Equipment includes seven Kubota 4WDs, oxygen equipment valued at $1600 each unit for each of the nine surf clubs and rescue boards for lifeguard operations.

Media release, 25 Sep 2013

Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council