Cabarita Beach and Fingal Rovers surf lifesaving clubs have just been awarded a combined $270,000 in new Government grants, Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest has announced.

“Surfing is a big deal for the Tweed and it is a big deal for the Nationals in NSW Government and that is why we are providing Fingal Rovers SLSC $44,259 to go solar and to fit out their kiosk,” Mr Provest said.

“On top of that, $223,687 is heading to Cabarita Beach SLSC for extra training rooms and other critical upgrades.”

Mr Provest said the money from the NSW Government’s 2020/21 Surf Club Facility Program followed an investment last month to secure the 2021 Tweed Coast Pro, which takes place from 19 to 25 June and will showcase the Tweed to a global television audience.

“Surf life saving in the Tweed is about much more than preventing drownings. It our way of life and it supports jobs, the economy and volunteerism and youth,” Mr Provest said.

President of Surf Life Saving NSW George Shales OAM said ensuring rescue facilities across NSW remained safe, accessible and secure was a top priority.

“This allows significant upgrades to surf club facilities to improve access for our 75,000 members,” Mr Shales said.

With 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers performed 2,500 rescues, 141,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.