Beach cuts not on
May 25, 2006
Section: Community
CONCERNED northern suburbs residents voiced strong opposition to Wollongong City Council plans to slash surf life saving services at their beaches at a public meeting on Sunday.
Council propose to cut Monday to Friday lifeguard patrols at Scarborough Beach as part of budgetary constraints. Also threatened are Monday to Friday patrols at Coalcliff Beach.
Council hopes to save $40,000 by cutting the patrols at the two beaches as part of its 2006-10 draft corporate plan.
Ward One councillors Dave Martin and Alice Cartan have backed residents' opposition to the proposal at a public meeting? held at Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club on Sunday.
"We're grateful for their support," Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club President Anthony Ritter said.
"As locals they know exactly what it means to our community to have a beach where our children can play in a safe environment."
Residents were told beach usage estimates used to justify the axing of patrols had been taken the two seasons before the opening of the Sea Cliff Bridge.
The figures also appear to ignore the strong patronage from children of Scarborough Public School.
In recent years Scarborough Wombarra has struggled for volunteers to cover Sunday patrols. However, the club is bouncing back with 70 juniors competing in nipper events last summer, including 30 children under seven.
"Whilst we always welcome tourists to our beach the focus here should be on our growing, and thriving ranks of youngsters," nipper coordinator Tony Harper said.
"If Council cared about our kids they would have been down here at 3.30 on a school day in late November and they would never have come up with such an idea.
"If you're a kid in this area you have the beach and that's it there's no skate ramp, no community hall, nowhere to hang out, nothing for anyone who has outgrown the slippery dip. Take away safe swimming on a school afternoon and what have these kids got left.
"It's crucial that the Scarborough Wombarra community makes itself heard by formally opposing the Council proposal," Mr Ritter said.
Submissions close on Monday May 29.