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Darren Chester calls to for surf life saving patrols along the popular Cape Conran beach at peak times

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is supporting calls to establish surf life saving patrols along the popular Cape Conran beach at peak times.

By news@gippsland - 30th January 2023 - Back to News

ederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has written to Surf Lifesaving Victoria asking for a safety audit for the beach to be undertaken as a step towards establishing a summer lifeguards presence. "The beach is located alongside the Banksia Bluff campground which at peak times can host several hundred campers in the area in addition to day visitors from surrounding towns."

Training and employing more local people to provide lifeguard services on key beaches where we don't have an existing volunteer the rapid response that is needed

Safety concerns

Mr Chester said, "From personal experience there have been times when I have attended the beach and there have been more than 300 people in the water with no surf lifesavers patrolling creating a potential safety risk."

"As a former water safety officer with the Lakes Entrance nippers program, the lack of patrolling concerns me greatly. Especially when it is an area regularly frequented by international visitors driving between Sydney and Melbourne."

"The nearest patrolled beaches to Cape Conran are at Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota and by my estimation it would be the longest stretch of coastline in Victoria without a patrolled beach." Mr Chester said.

Hiring accredited lifeguards

Mr Chester said the campground is owned and managed by Parks Victoria and he believed the organisation had a duty of care, and should be responsible for hiring accredited lifeguards.

"We are so fortunate in Gippsland to have a beautiful coastline but we must do what we can to protect visitors and keep swimmers safe when using waterways. Hiring accredited lifeguards during peak holiday periods would save lives and ensure all can enjoy our beaches," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures.
• Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
  Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support.
• Peri-urban councils warn Gippsland housing crisis threatens productivity and federal economic ambitions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns soaring prices and falling approvals are hurting productivity, urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure reforms to unlock peri-urban housing supply and ease affordability pressures.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback for the UOMO draft legislation, submit feedback by 19 October 2025
  East Gippsland Council welcomes Federal UOMO draft legislation, aiming to expand reliable mobile coverage, improve emergency services, and ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities. Feedback is open until 19 October 2025.
• East Gippsland libraries launch CloudLibrary, offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere
  East Gippsland Libraries have launched CloudLibrary, giving members free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, supporting learning, leisure, and digital inclusion across the region.
• Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
  Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness.
• Gippsland Water launches $12.2M Dutson Downs expansion boosting organics processing, compost output, and sustainability
  Gippsland Water officially opened a $12.2 million Dutson Downs expansion, boosting organics processing by 40%, increasing compost production, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and supporting Gippsland’s environmental and economic sustainability.