Regional Development Minister Terry Redman (right) and Dawesville Liberal candidate Zac Kirkup with a group of young surfers at the launch.
Camera IconRegional Development Minister Terry Redman (right) and Dawesville Liberal candidate Zac Kirkup with a group of young surfers at the launch. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Grant allows Port Bouvard Life Saving Club to add second storey

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

THE late Rick Roberts had a plan to build a surf life saving club when the Port Bouvard Life Saving Club site was just a sandy strip.

He approached Dawesville MLA Kim Hames for funding and he approached the late Canning MHR Don Randall.

Mr Randall got funding from the Federal Government and the City of Mandurah but there was only enough money to build a single storey construction, not the two storeys Mr Roberts had envisaged.

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Now the dream is likely to become reality with Regional Development Minister Terry Redman’s announcement today of $300,000 from the Royalties for Regions regional grant scheme towards construction.

Fortunately the original building plans ensured it was strong enough to take a second storey and it will be named in honour of Mr Randall who died in 2015.

Mr Redman said he could not think of a better project to fund.

“Members not only patrol beaches but are training youngsters to become surf aware,’’ he said.

“You are doing your bit and we want to support it.’’

Mr Hames said the funding recognised the remarkable contribution Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club made in providing aqua-based sporting facilities in south Mandurah.

He said a second storey would allow a purpose-built facility for other aquatic sports evens, a function centre and a community hub.

Peel Development Commission chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said that, as identified in the Peel Regional Blueprint, a growing export for the region was tourism and 500,000 visitors to the Peel each year mostly wanted to use the superb coastline and beaches for recreation.