SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08

Surf sports are a major feeder for Australia's Olympic disciplines. The surf ski fi nal at the 2008 Aussies was an Olympic-class fi eld, including Ken Wallace,
who went on to win Gold and Bronze medals in kayaking at the Beijing Olympics. (Image Harvpix)
HOW DO WE PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT?
As caretakers of some of Australia’s most stunning,
yet fragile coastal locations, surf lifesavers have a
responsibility to protect and promote our environment.
SLSA has restated its commitment to environmental
excellence with the revision of its EcoSurf Policy.
During 2007–08 we were successful in a grant application
for $50,000 under the Australian Government’s Envirofund
Round 10 (Coastal). These funds have been allocated to a
number of projects including:
• Compilation, production and distribution
of educational resource kits.
• A series of workshops to raise awareness
about local environmental issues.
• A clean energy feasibility study by Maunsell Australia
which will review the current energy consumption
(Kwh) and energy costs ($/annum) of a sample of SLSA’s
306 clubs representing different states, climate zones,
membership and building sizes. The fi nal outcome of
this study will be an educational resource on how clubs
can decrease their carbon footprint.
In October 2007, the Australian Labor Party promised
$3 million for surf life saving clubs to become water
effi cient, environmentally aware and save money.
On 29 April 2008, the Australian Government confi rmed
this funding through the ‘Water for the Future’ program,
which includes $250 million for a National Rainwater and
Greywater Initiative. Part of this initiative will provide up to
$10,000 to clubs to install a rainwater tank or to contribute
towards a signifi cant water saving project. We are currently
negotiating with the Department of Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) on how to administer
the program.
In December 2007 we conducted our fi rst environmental
forum, bringing together passionate and dedicated
volunteers from around the country. These club
representatives have been targeted as ‘beacons’
(leaders for environmental practice) for the entire
movement. Our beacon clubs are:
• Bronte SLSC (Sydney eastern suburbs)
• North Steyne SLSC (Sydney northern beaches)
• South Port SLSC, South Australia
• Tathra SLSC, (Far south coast of New South Wales).
These clubs are working together and with a range
of stakeholders to implement sustainable practices.
We understand that we need to work with a range of
stakeholders as we continue our journey to become leaders
within the community for positive environmental practices.
As part of our Ecosurf strategy we have partnered with
Westpac and Landcare Australia Limited (Coastcare).
With the help of our members and our partners, we are
committed to being good environmental citizens.
SECTION 04—SURF LIFESAVING IN AUSTRALIA
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