PRELIMINARY works are underway on a new Lifeguard Facility at One Mile Beach, designed to increase the safety and oversight of beachgoers.

The new surf life saving facility will replace the existing facility, which does not adequately meet the requirements of lifeguards.

Brock Lamont, Council’s Community and Recreation Coordinator, says the new building will help lifeguards to better protect and serve beachgoers.

“The new facility will cost $840,000 to construct and will be a drastic improvement on the current facility available to lifeguards,” Mr Lamont said.

“It will include storage areas for surf life saving equipment, unisex amenities for staff, a first aid room and importantly, a shark observation tower.

“The inclusion of a shark tower will allow lifeguards to have better oversight of the beach and enable them to respond more quickly to sightings,” he added.

Construction started this week, and is due to be completed in time for the start of beach season at the end of September.