Margaret River State lifesaving development centre on track for April 2023

A comprehensive new surf lifesaving centre slated for Margaret River’s town centre is on track to open by April. Surf Life Saving WA this week confirmed construction was on schedule for its South West Development Centre that would bring lifeguards and their supporters from across the country. An SLSWA spokesperson said Margaret River would be a central location for training and development for surf lifesavers across the country. “It is envisaged that surf lifesavers from all States would welcome the opportunity to develop their skills in this iconic location,” the spokesperson said. “Upon completion, the centre will be capable of supporting the development of volunteer surf lifesavers of all ages with activities focused on building capacity in emergency response services, lifesaving education and training, leadership development, youth engagement, and community recreation.” Margaret River Surf Life Saving club president Richard Lee-Pullen was looking forward to the centre becoming operational. “This is an exciting, multi-million-dollar investment by SLSWA,” he said. Junior lifesaving was growing rapidly in Margaret River with summer registrations held last weekend. The centre was expected to host major workshops and other events. “The South West has been chosen as the preferred location for the centre as it is an internationally-recognised tourism hub renowned for its coastal attractions, including its iconic surf beaches,” SLSWA said. “(It) is also the home of six of our surf lifesaving clubs who collectively provide volunteer lifesaving services in Binningup, Bunbury, Dalyellup, Busselton, Smiths Beach and Margaret River.” Asked this week about the potential to expand services in the Capes region, SLSWA told the Times it welcomed discussions with the community. SLSWA said it would advocate for improved coastal safety as an agreed need. The service bought the Margaret River Lodge on Railway Terrace in 2020 following plans for the centre first announced in 2018. In November, it received an $867,000 contribution from Lotterywest. Redeveloping the site would increase its capacity to host visiting members, with plans to accommodate about 100 people in backpacker-style quarters. The revamped base would also be used as an emergency response centre, for training, equipment storage, and administration. WA president Craig Gander-Smith previously confirmed development of Nippers was one of four key elements proposed.