THE ICONIC wooden radio tower at Marcoola Beach, which was one of the last remaining towers of its kind, has been replaced with a modern tower and will further add to beach safety.

The new tower replaces the previous structure, which was originally built by the members of Marcoola SLSC some 40 years ago. Over the past 35 years, the club has refurbished, patched, moved, and repainted the tower multiple times to ensure it remained safe and functional.

On Wednesday, March 11, a crane lifted the new tower into place, and Club President Ben Allsopp stated that the new tower was unique in its construction.

“This is not a traditional tower as seen along most beaches. It has been custom-designed and built off-site to reflect the local character and vibe of Marcoola, while fully meeting Australian safety standards.”

Mr Allsopp acknowledged that many would be sad to see the older, iconic structure go.

“The tower has been a proud and iconic part of our beach for decades. However, the environment had taken its toll, and it was no longer safe for use. We’re happy that the new tower honours the look and feel of the original while ensuring the safety of our lifesavers and the community.”

Marcoola SLSC is now focused on redeveloping other club facilities that have been impacted by the coastal environment. The club is seeking support from state and federal funding; however, assistance has not yet been allocated.

“Without a functional club fit for purpose, we cannot properly train our volunteers or store the essential rescue and lifesaving resources needed to save lives and prevent tragedy,” Mr Allsopp stated.

“It is vital that our facilities meet the needs of both the community and the ever-growing area of Marcoola. Our top priority is to always be rescue-ready.”

Like the radio tower, any new additions will be in keeping with the local charm of Marcoola.

“Our new facilities will represent the character and spirit of Marcoola.

“We want to maintain the family-friendly, community-focused vibe that makes Marcoola special, even as more people visit the beach. Preserving that atmosphere is just as important to us as improving safety and services.”

NEW TOWER FEATURES 
The bespoke tower offers several key benefits:
* Enhanced beach safety: Provides patrols with improved sightlines to monitor swimmers and surf conditions.
* Support for volunteers and Australian Lifeguard Service personnel: Helps lifesavers and lifeguards carry out their duties more effectively, improving response times and overall safety for beachgoers.
* Community-focused design: Built to complement the local environment and aesthetics, rather than being a standard off-the-shelf structure.
* State-of-the-art features: Includes durable materials and safety features designed for long-term use in coastal conditions.