Lifesavers getting new tower by Christmas

Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club’s watch tower is being replaced – thanks to the State Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council - after more than 30 years overlooking the beach at Woorim.

It has been lifted from its beach-side position and a new watch tower should be installed by Christmas with $160,000 from the State Government’s Works for Queensland fund.

“The new Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club patrol tower at Woorim will be a new and improved aluminium frame structure built to the same height as the old one (4.8m),” says Councillor Brooke Savige.

Tower unsafe

“While the old tower was an icon of the area, the fact is it had become too old and unsafe.

“We are currently speaking with the manufacturer and we’re hoping to have the tower on site by Christmas, weather permitting.”

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the project would be paid for by the State Government’s $7.92 million Works for Queensland program in Moreton Bay Region.

“Bribie is a tourism gem and we know the Christmas holidays will be busy, so I’m happy to be able to help local surf life savers to keep locals and visitors safe at the beach,” he says.

Many thanks

Jeff Butler of Bribie Island SLSC says the old tower was “beyond economical repair”.

“We are a volunteer organisation and find it pretty hard to raise funds. I’d like to thank Moreton Bay Regional Council and the State Government for coming up with the funds to replace our tower.”

The main stairs to the beach are also to be upgraded with $100,000 from the Works for Queensland fund.

Bribie Bulldogs AFL Club is getting $50,000 from the same source for a new awning and solar panels, which will help reduce club costs.

“We originally had shade sails, now we can get awnings put in and solar is going to help bring electricity costs down,” says Damian Wolski, of Bribie Island Bulldogs.

Beach fitness

There will also be car park upgrades at Bribie’s Butterfly House and fitness equipment installed at Banksia Beach.

Mayor Peter Flannery said funding for such projects is “very important, not only providing vital infrastructure but for the tourist economy now coronavirus restrictions are lifting.”

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