CAIRNS will be the location of Queensland’s first marine operations base.
Queensland Water Police, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association QF9 Cairns, and the soon to be established Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) will all be under one roof alongside Maritime Safety Queensland.
QF9 Cairns will also receive a new rescue vessel to replace its aging secondary boat.
The 7.5-metre hard collared rescue vessel will undertake sea trials in March, with anticipated delivery to QF9 Cairns in April.
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard national commodore Terry Langford said his organisation was looking forward to providing better services with the new rescue vessel.
“We are excited to receive a replacement secondary vessel and would like to thank the Queensland government for the opportunity to modernise our rescue vessel fleet, ensuring QF9’s ability to provide responsive marine rescue services to our community,” Mr Langford said.
