The $250,000 will allow the club to make a start on building upgrade plans in the pipeline since since 1996.

It is the first stage of a $1.2 million overhaul.

Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club president Pat Staunton said the club was overjoyed with the state government funding.

“It means we can complete stage one of our development which is probably the most important thing,” he said.

Stage one work will add disabled access, modify the hall interior to make way for disabled access and install an awning over the deck with views of Lighthouse Beach.

Mr Staunton said the lack of disabled access placed limitations on training, community use, functions and the bar operation.

“I’ve seen someone carried up the steps in a wheelchair,” he said.

The $250,000 grant is club’s largest funding injection since its inception in 1974.

The club’s grants and publicity officer, Warren Mason, said disabled access would increase options available to the community.

“It’s going to open the opportunity for more groups and people to use the hall and it opens the opportunity for us to access more of the community for membership,” he said.

The club will contribute $82,000 to the work, due to start in the off season.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the club was very deserving of the grant as it had persisted and had a plan in place.

“It is really credible to have put the access issue as a priority,” she said.

Mrs Williams said it was a very exciting time for the club given its success in the North Coast Surfboat Series and the grant funding announcement.

The state government awarded the money under the Surf Club Facility Grant Program which helps with funding for major and minor projects at surf life saving clubs across the state.

The club’s big picture $1.2 million upgrade includes enclosing the downstairs area, adding more storage space for rescue equipment and downstairs female amenities.

The timing is subject to funding.