The director of Skydive The Beach has hit out at suggestions from Wollongong councillors his business could move in with a proposed new North Wollongong surf club, saying any new club was years away.
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Councillors Jill Merrin and John Dorahy this week said the skydive venture could abandon its controversial development in Stuart Park and instead move into a new surf clubhouse.
The only problem is, no such clubhouse is on the council's radar.
A council spokesman confirmed initial investigations were being conducted for "possible replacement" of the existing North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, but the council had no set plans to build a new club.
"Cr Merrin did not approach me, and there was certainly no meeting between us and the surf club," said Anthony Boucaut, director of Skydive the Beach.
"A new club is years away. We have already spent three years on our project. It is poor form to suddenly come up with an idea and not consult the operators."
Cr John Dorahy said he approached Mr Boucaut last week, but the idea had gained public traction before any further discussions had taken place.
"By the time I got in contact, things had progressed and people were getting excited about the idea," Cr Dorahy said.
He said it could benefit both parties, and also raised the idea of placing an eatery or surfwear store inside the building as well.
He said the surf club's position on the waterfront would make it a tourist attraction.
"Purely from an opportunity to improve community engagement, I see a lot of positives. They can support each other."