Burnie City Council and the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club have announced that they are working together to create an extension to the Surf Club building to compensate for the loss of space associated with the Wave Room.

Mayor Anita Dow said that Burnie City Council became aware of a conflicting clause in the leases over the Wave Room shared space at the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club building in early 2017.

“Council has been committed to resolving this significant issue in the best interests of both parties and the Burnie community. It has taken some time to resolve this matter due to the legal complexities”, Mayor Dow said.

“Council attempted to secure ongoing access to the Wave Room for the Club as per the original lease, but it is now clear this will not be possible to achieve.”

“Once this became clear, Council held a special meeting on August 8, to formalise Council’s position and provide some certainty to both parties about the future of the facility”.

Mayor Dow said that Council acknowledged the importance of the Surf Club in terms of the health and safety of the city, and appreciated the service the Surf Club provides to the Burnie community. 

“Council has worked with the Surf Club throughout this uncertain time, and while the issues may not have been resolved as quickly as many would have liked, both Council and the Club have been able to agree on a way forward that secures the future of the Club’s activities.”

“Council and the Surf Club are now in the early stages of developing a concept design for the extension. The aim is to not only ensure the Club has sufficient space but also to ensure the extension complements the existing building; does not create a buffer to the Burnie foreshore and ensures the responsible use of ratepayer’s funds.”

“In the interim Council will provide the Surf Club with an alternative venue for use for their functions. The interim period will come into effect on the 30 April 2018”, Mayor Dow said.