Legislation has changed regarding how we engage our community on leases. Under the Local Government Act 2020, Section 115, Council will undertake a community engagement process on a proposed lease of Council-owned land for a period of 10 or more years, in accordance with its Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy 2021

This requirement replaces the formal Section 223 process required under the Local Government Act 1989 and is designed to strengthen community involvement in decision-making, and trust and confidence in Council to make evidence-based decisions that benefit the Bayside community through the consistent application of a transparent process.

Brighton Life Saving Club's 650+ members and volunteers provide an essential lifesaving service to our local community and visitors to the iconic Dendy Beach.

One of the ways Council supports community and volunteer groups is by offering reduced rent to Council-owned properties.

The proposed rent has been set in accordance with Council’s Lease and Licence Policy 2018.

The rental amount also recognises a financial contribution ($500,000) from Brighton Life Saving Club towards to the development of the new pavilion, before the club would take occupation under the proposed lease.

Brighton Life Saving Club is committed to maximising community use of the new pavilion under the proposed lease agreement.

The new life saving pavilion will ensure that Club members can continue to train in appropriate spaces indoors, observe the beach area, and store vital equipment. The Pavilion will also provide multi-purpose space for social and broader community uses.

Under the proposed lease, the Club will provide an online booking system to enable the community to see when the multi-purpose space is available and book it for general community use (e.g. annual meetings for clubs or charities, recreation/exercise or special interest group meetings).

Brighton Life Saving Club (BLSC) is a successful community club with a proud history of operations at Dendy Street Beach. The club is considered an excellent tenant and being financially astute has been able to make a significant capital contribution of $500,000 towards the construction of the new pavilion.

It is expected that a new lease with the Brighton Life Saving Club will continued to provide significant benefit for the broader community through essential emergency services at Dendy Beach.

As the pavilion has been purpose built as a Life Saving Club, if this particular lease proposal does not proceed, Council will negotiate a new proposal with BLSC for the use of the building

The café will operate under a separate lease which is subject to a market Expression of Interest process.