Cash promise for Apollo Bay surf training hub

A REGIONAL-level ocean safety centre could be on the way to Apollo Bay if the Liberal Party wins government at the coming election, following a major funding commitment.

Polwarth MP Richard Riordan committed $7.5 million for a redevelopment of Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club, which would include a Victorian Blue Ocean Surf Skills (VBOSS) centre.

The training hub would be the first of its kind in Victoria and provide a year-round skills centre for surf lifesaving.

Ultimately, VBOSS would also include a partnership with Apollo Bay P-12 College to include accommodation facilities that would help attract multi-day training opportunities for school groups and other organisations in a boost for the town’s economy.

The surf club estimates the total cost of the centre to be $15.4 million.

Apollo Bay SLSC has campaigned for several years for the redevelopment the recent funding commitment.

“To date we’ve had a lot of verbal support… but no firm commitments on funding,” club spokesperson David Gorrie said.

“[The] announcement is a welcome step in the right direction. It reinforces the fact that this is an initiative that needs to be funded as a matter of urgency and one that will save countless Victorian and Australian lives in the years to come.”

Apollo Bay SLSC pointed to statistics from lifesaving bodies about increased drowning deaths in Victoria as evidence of the need for a state-level training centre.

The coastal clubhouse has not had a significant redevelopment since it was first built in the 1970s.

Since then, it has grown from a small, predominantly male body to a club of 700 members with a 50-50 gender split.

The club says the promised upgrade will help it move into the modern age, to boost its emergency responses and improve access for all its users.

Mr Riordan said VBOSS would have wide-ranging benefits for the Apollo Bay community.

“A Liberal Government understands the need to actively support volunteers with appropriate facilities and training,” Mr Riordan said.

“Our Great Ocean Road area needs to maintain and actively support strong volunteer training to keep our locals, visitors and tourists safe.

“A year-round ocean training centre located in Apollo Bay will provide fantastic off-season opportunities in Apollo Bay, and the extra accommodation over summer holidays will help greatly with the chronic housing shortage experienced in the community.”