S.G.M. Outcome

Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

On March 18 2026, 68 members gathered, in person, by proxy and online, to discuss a vital turning point for our club. Guided by the theme “Protecting Our Beach. Securing Our Future,” the Board presented a strategic vision to complete our clubhouse and ensure our long-term financial independence.

I also need to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our long-standing club members. The original 1960’s club was demolished and re-built with your blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice over many years. We would not have the magnificent club we have to build upon today if it wasn’t for all the hard work that has gone before us and we are excited to explore partnership opportunities to enhance our offering to members and the community. So to all those who have come before us we Thank you!

The Strategic Vision

The Board’s primary objective remains unchanged: Lifesaving comes first. To protect our patrol capabilities and emergency operations, we must address the approximate $1.5 million cost to complete our facility and have a plan for ongoing operational costs once complete. By commercialising the first floor, we aim to secure a partner who will fund remaining build stages, enhance our offering and allow us to focus our energy on core lifesaving and member activities.

Consolidated Member Q&A

Some excellent concerns, questions and points for consideration were made which the Board will incorporate into our process, communications and negotiations. The ‘Tender’ might better be termed as an  ‘Expressions of Interest’ (EOI) campaign or a ‘Request for Proposals’ (RFP) campaign. Below captures the key themes and discussions from the Member Q&A session:

1. The Commercial Tender & Selection Process

• Expert Engagement: Members asked about the board’s capacity to run a tender. In acknowledging we are not experts in this field we are committed to engaging external experts to support the process, while also drawing on the professional expertise within our membership.
• Due Diligence: We will actively research similar successful models in both Queensland and New South Wales to ensure we adopt best practices.
• Timeline: While we haven’t set a hard deadline, we intend to run a transparent tender process, with a final recommendation to be presented to membership.

2. Member Access & Club Culture

• The “Member-First” Covenant: A significant point of discussion was ensuring the club remains a lifesaving club. All agreements will include a formal covenant guaranteeing priority access for lifesaving operation.
• Operational Protection: The ground floor (excl. current leased area – Pandanus Cafe) and the second-floor emergency control room will remain exclusive to club and lifesaving use.

3. Development Application (DA) & Financial Strategy

• Amending the DA: To attract a high-quality partner, we need to amend our existing DA to allow for commercial use of the first floor.
• Partner-Led Investment: It is common for commercial partners to finance DA changes and fit-outs. This approach reduces our need for significant loans and protects us from the long-term maintenance costs of a large-scale commercial facility.
• Grants: Members clarified if current grants restrict commercial use.

Formal Resolutions Outcome

We are pleased to announce that both motions presented to the membership were passed with a decisive 62-6 vote:

1. Motion 1: Authority to Tender Commercial Areas – Authorizing the Board to transition the first floor to a mixed-use model and appoint a commercial partner.
2. Motion 2: Authority to Amend Development Application (DA) – Subject to the tender outcome, authorizing the Board to seek necessary floor plan amendments.