At a cost of almost $29,000, for a council who are already in a $558,000 deficit, the extra expense was deemed too much, according to Councillor Andrew Guile.

“We need to take a strategic approach and evaluate all our beaches,” he said.

“We have to be careful in spending money we don’t have.

“This would be a permanent ongoing cost, which is not in the budget.

“Without proper planning or the proper processing, it is not responsible of council to approve this cost.”

Cr Gareth Ward added that by extending the service in Mollymook, council would be sending the message that the lives of Mollymook residents were more important then those at Culburra Beach or Shoalhaven Heads.

Cr Robert Miller, who signed the rescission motion, expressed his frustration over the issue.

“What was the cost for the increased services to the Bomaderry Aquatic Centre?” he asked rhetorically. “Eighteen thousand [dollars] and that wasn’t in the budget.

“We have to show some serious management in council.

“For 13 councillors to vote unanimously on a service and then turn around and vote against it, I think that is saying something.”

He said it was a constructive debate but the outcome was still unacceptable.

“Disappointing, I think that’s the best way to describe it,” he said.

“I think everyone was in support of the extension, it was just that funds are the issue.

“Everyone agreed that it was essential but weren’t willing to go ahead with it in the current financial situation.”

Cr Miller, Fergusson, Watson, Kearney and Proudfoot supported the rescission motion but were outvoted six to five.

The professional beach patrol service at South Mollymook Beach will now run from December 1 to December 18 and January 27 to February 26, until such time as an available source of funds is identified.