THE AUSTRALIAN Volunteer Coast Guard in Queensland and the state’s Volunteer Marine Rescue have merged under a new name: Marine Rescue Queensland.
The establishment of Marine Rescue Queensland means volunteers from both organisations will be working together from now on.
The Queensland government said it plans to increase its investment in marine rescue services six-fold, securing $27 million in ongoing annual funding for the new organisation.
Transitional work is already underway, and the funding will enable more modern vessels which are better equipped and better maintained.
The investment will also, for the first time, fund permanent support staff for Queensland rescue operations.
According to the state government, Marine Rescue Queensland will be better aligned with Queensland Police Services’ dedicated Water Police division.
Emergency services minister Mark Ryan said reforms were introduced with the objectives of enhancing the ability for frontline responders to keep Queenslanders safe.
“By combining our volunteer rescue efforts into a single entity, Marine Rescue Queensland, and having it work even more closely with Water Police will mean better co-ordination,” Mr Ryan said.
“And the very significant boost in funding will mean a significant uplift to support better equipment, better boats and more support services for our wonderful volunteers.”
