An artist’s impression of the proposed new clubhouse for the historic Manly Life Saving Club at Manly Beach. Picture: Supplied
OPINION
There are two sets of perceived ‘villains’ and one set of heroes in the case of the Manly Life Saving Club redevelopment plan.
The first ‘villain’ is the Northern Beaches Council, which is seeking to spend more than $19 million on a project many people see as over the top … especially the part about adding an extra level.
The other ‘villains’ are the residents complaining about their loss of views … from their multimillion-dollar homes in one of the country’s wealthiest enclaves.
So here, we have a battle between too not-so-likeable combatants. It’s akin to watching a grand final when both teams are from out of town.
The case for council
First, consider the plight of the council, which owns The Manly Life Saving Club. It hasn’t been renovated since the 1980s and councils need to maintain their assets.
Most of the plans seem reasonable. There are much needed upgrades to change rooms and additional toilet facilities, plus improved accessibility, including a lift. The green roof with solar panels could improve energy efficiency.
The project would also seek to ease pedestrian bottlenecks on the walkway to Shelly Beach, while the overflow of surf craft that has taken up footpath space for so long would be contained within the structure of the new building.
An artist’s impression of the proposed new clubhouse. Picture: Supplied
The size and the aesthetic of the proposed new surf club is the issue concerning most opposing residents. Even if more storage space is needed, and a footprint increase of “about 10 per cent”, why does it need to go up a storey?
And then there’s the cost. Will ratepayers be slugged $19 million?
The answer to that is no. The majority of the cost would come from federal and state government grants. So far, the council has already collected $11 million, including $5 million form the federal government and $1 million from the NSW government.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins has said “an approved DA provides many more opportunities to secure additional (state and federal government) grant funding to complete the project.”
Residents’ point of ‘view’
As a longtime Northern Beaches local, I was confused when I first heard about people complaining about their views being affected. I couldn’t figure out which residents that would be.
The club is built into the side of a cliff, so the only buildings behind it are actually above it, on the top of the cliff. These are already up higher than where a proposed extra storey would reach.
There are apartments across the road, but these face the ocean and the club building does not obscure that view in any way. Nor will it with an extra storey.
There are also apartments in the adjacent Ashburner St around the corner. But their balconies face north back along the beachfront. Much like the east-facing apartments, the surf club is in the corner of their eye, rather than right in front.
You’ve heard about NIMBYs, well I’m going to dub these people NIMFOVs … ‘Not In My Field Of Vision’.
Residents in this block are displaying protest signs, apart from those on the top two floors. Picture: Diana Jenkins
How is anything going to be built, improved, upgraded or expanded if residents rail against absolutely everything?
And once upon a time, when those apartment blocks were built, the single level homes in the blocks between Manly Beach and the harbour would have had their own views completely blocked.
It seems the problem is that everyone is a NIMBY when they are affected by change.
Ask the people of Western Sydney, whose councils are tasked with all the heavy lifting when it comes to adding new housing or infrastructure, whether they feel sorry for a slightly inconvenienced person who is lucky enough to live on the beach in one of the most rare and expensive locations in not just Australia, but the world. I doubt there will be many tears shed.
Forgotten heroes
The lifesavers of Australia are iconic. And what they do is in their name. Every year they save thousands of lives. Some are paid, but many are volunteers.
The real heroes of this story. Picture: Joel Carrett
They need and deserve modern facilities that are equipped to provide what they need.
I agree with the social media comment that read: “My vote is with the people protecting lives, rather than the people protecting views.”
“I know a new clubhouse is badly needed, as the current one is too small and too old. The clubhouse is for surf club members, who patrol our beaches as volunteers, to get changed, store gear, undergo training and gather socially to foster a cohesive lifesaving community,” another said.
“How about we get rid of those feral apartment blocks instead?” someone else commented.
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