Austinmer’s boatshed extension

Austinmer Beach. Photo: grandpacificdrive.com.au

AUSTINMER’S lifeguards and lifesavers are one step closer to having improved facilities with the start of work this week on the extension of Austinmer Boatshed.

The project, that is expected to take about four months to finish, is part of an ongoing program to upgrade facilities in the Austinmer beach precinct.

The boatshed facility will be extended on the northern side and will incorporate a new Lifeguard surveillance room and amenities, as well as a small gym facility for Austinmer Surf Lifesaving Club members. There also will be minor improvements to where the Surf Club’s boats are stored.

While the work is underway, a site compound will be set up at the northern end of Austinmer Beach’s carpark. There will be times, such as when heavy machinery is onsite, the compound will need to be expanded to take in the grassed area to the west of the boatshed for public safety.

The stairs from Lawrence Hargrave Drive down to the northern end of Austinmer Beach will remain open.

“This is an exciting step for our local lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers as this will provide them with improved facilities,’’ Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

“Austinmer is an extraordinarily popular beach with locals and people day tripping to the region. It’s important the facilities we’re able to provide those keeping watch over our beaches are top-notch.

“I recognise there has been a lot of work underway in this precinct over the past few years and thank the community for their ongoing patience as we carry out these improvements. I can assure the community that we’re working to minimise any disruption these works may create.’’

The project is funded by Wollongong City Council, the NSW State Government’s (Surf Club Facility Development Grant Program) and the Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club.

The proposal for the improvements has been planned since 2010, with the project obtaining Development Consent in 2012. The structure has been designed for the harsh marine environment and will not impact on the nearby Norfolk Island Pine. Once finished, the building will be rendered and painted to complement the existing boatshed.

If you’d like to know more about the project, contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 4227 7111.