As residents may be aware Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club's clubhouse in Jamieson Park, Narrabeen was destroyed by fire on 27 November 2021, and they have been involved in the process of consultation with Council as to the construction of a replacement.
See Community News November 2021, Community News December 2021 and Pittwater Online report:
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Fire: Members Launch Fundraisers to get the kids back on the water after loss of equipment - December 2021
Having been through this process, Council developed a multi-million-dollar proposal which included expanded facilities for the wider community comprising a café as well as boat storage and a meeting room for the club and other sporting community groups.
The NLSC have now been notified by Council that there are no funds available to progress with the building in the foreseeable future.
Council's webpage for the project advises:
''We anticipate construction will begin in late-2025.
We anticipate this project will take 12 months to construct, weather permitting.
As the building was damaged by fire, Council will claim insurance to partially fund a like-for-like rebuild. Subject to the final approved proposal, we will seek grant opportunities to cover any funding shortfalls.
This leaves the NLSC to operate out of storage containers with no all-weather shelter indefinitely.
Artist impression of eastern elevation; View towards cafe and community room: Image: NBC
Artist impression of northern elevation; View towards boat store and water sports facilities: Image: NBC
A spokesperson for the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club told Pittwater Online on Friday, December 6
''We are exploring other options and members of the club have registered to address Council in the Public Forum on 10th December (of the December 2024 Council Meeting).
''Having followed Council actions closely over a number of years we understand that the replacement of amenities building at Balgowlah Oval was achieved through the use of a demountable structure. This magnificent new structure, highly commended by the then current Mayor Michael Regan was completed within approximately three months at a cost of less than $900,000. The project was jointly funded by Council and grants from the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities Fund.
See: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Balgowlah_oval_amenities
''We propose to put to Council that installation of such a high-tech demountable would be far more cost and time effective.''
''Our Club will have sailed on Narrabeen Lake for 120 years next year. Many generations of families have learnt to sail on the lake which is considered to be the safest place to sail in Sydney. '' the spokesperson said
''We continue to grow despite not having facilities and provide an element of safety on the lake through our presence by way of rescues each weekend.
The previous clubhouse was relatively small but provided shelter. Council’s now shelved proposed plan was far bigger than the originally mooted like-for-like.
''A demountable structure would effectively meet our needs and incorporate provision for future extension should Council desire to do so.'' the spokesperson said in closing.
In the meantime, the NLSC is still offering its Summer school holidays program for youngsters - details are:
Private Members Statement: Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club
I congratulate and recognise the wonderful volunteers and members of Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club. Since 1904 the club has provided a range of services to our community, including learn‑to‑sail programs and sailing racing. Anyone who is on the sparkling waters of Narrabeen Lagoon during the sailing season will see the sails of the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club aloft the lagoon. It was a wonderful privilege to attend the club's recent presentation evening and witness all of those people, particularly the young people, who have succeeded in learning so much more about the wonderful sport of sailing. Tragically, the clubhouse burned to the ground recently. It will be my privilege to support the club in its rebuilding efforts. In particular, I congratulate and thank Commodore Aymeric Cabuil and the wonderful Pamela Johnston for their amazing efforts in supporting the club.
All the winners of a terrible and terrific 21/22 season! Our presentation evening on May 8th was filled of joy and laughter despite a few too many last minute Covid cancellations that deprived us from some of our beloved members. Thank you to Cr Ruth Robins and NSW minister Rob Stokes and Bevan MacKavanaugh for honouring us of their presence. Can’t wait for 22/23!
