New Coast Guard facility underway

Oak Flats residents are witnessing first hand the demolition of the former water skiing club building at Skiway Park and the start of foundation works for the new Coast Guard premises.

Shellharbour City Council’s director of operations and Services Arthur Webster said work was well underway.

“Some demolition of the former building had been completed,” Mr Webster said.

“There has also been some removal of asbestos from the former site.

“The concrete foundations and new floor have been poured and the foundations for the new roof structure are in place.”

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association approached the council in March 2007 requesting permission for their Illawarra Squadron to utilise the existing Skiway Park facility.

The Coast Guard were looking for premises to store equipment and operate their services.

“The existing building was in a poor state of repair,” Mr Webster said.

“It would have require substantial alterations and council funding to meet the Coast Guard’s operations requirements.

“It was also not large enough to accommodate the Coast Guard boat.

“Consequently, the council provided $80,000 from its building asset maintenance allocation to assist with the expense of alterations.

“We entered into a conditional license agreement with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard to occupy the building,” Mr Webster said.

“In return, the Coast Guard will provide community services in the form of search and rescue and training courses on boat safety.”

Mr Webster said the new building would be a single story building but with two roof levels.

“One of the roof levels is higher than the other to accommodate the largest Coast Guard boat.”

Mr Webster said the new building has the support of the community who have been involved in the process.

The former building was subject to regular vandalism and residents had complained about its state of disrepair and attraction for anti social behaviour.

Coast Guard Squadron Commodore Bruce Mitchell said the Coast Guard were keen to move into the premises as soon as they were completed.

“This should be late 2008 all going well,” he said.

“We have been actively fund raising and seeking donations to help minimise costs,” he said.

“A number of businesses have leant a hand including Haulings Doors who are helping out with door supplies and BHP are helping us with the supply of colourbond for the roof.

“We still need supplies like kitchen equipment and a hot water system, Mr Mitchell said.

“All donations to help get the Coast Guard up and running would be gratefully accepted.”