Marine rescue capability boosted in Central Queensland

• The second contingency vessel to be delivered under the Queensland Government’s $22.3 million vessel replacement program will arrive in Rockhampton in mid-April.
• The 7.5m rigid monohulled rescue vessel will boost marine rescue capability and will be berthed at Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association QF19 Rockhampton, boosting rescue capability in Central Queensland.
• The government’s vessel replacement program will see three contingency vessels located along the state’s coastline, to be used by marine rescue services when additional capability is required due to emergency, disaster, or maintenance and repair.

Minister for Police and Community Safety the Honourable Mark Ryan today announced a new contingency rescue vessel for Central Queensland.

Speaking at this morning’s Community Cabinet, Minister Ryan said the new rescue vessel will undergo sea trials later this month ahead of its delivery to Rockhampton next month.

Marine rescue volunteers from Coast Guard flotillas in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Keppel Sands and Thirsty Sound will be inducted and trained to operate the new rescue vessel.

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan: 

“The Queensland Government is proud to invest the $22.3 million into updating and replacing marine search and rescue vessels,” Minister Ryan said.

“Modern vessels for our dedicated marine rescue volunteers provide enhanced capability to keep Queenslander’s safe on the water.  

“This is a positive step in boosting capability to volunteer marine rescue units.” 

Quotes attributable to MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff:

“Queensland’s new rescue vessel fleet is one of the cornerstones of the new Marine Rescue Queensland,” he said.

“Supporting marine rescue volunteers with replacement vessels to assist their communities and the boating public signifies our deep commitment to safety, for both volunteers and the boating public.”

Quotes attributable to Hugh Webster, National Administration Commodore, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard 

"Coast Guard volunteers appreciate the ongoing support provided by the Queensland Government. New vessels help us in our mission to keep Queensland boaties safe."

Quotes attributable to Barry O’Rourke MP, Member for Rockhampton

“Our local Coast Guard volunteers do so much to keep the community safe and I am so pleased that the new Central Queensland Contingency Vessel is on its way.”

“This government always backs our volunteers and I’m so glad to see this commitment come to fruition here in Rockhampton.”

Quotes attributable to Brittany Lauga MP, Member for Keppel

“I know how hard our Coast Guard volunteers work, whether it’s our volunteers in Keppel Sands and Yeppoon in my Electorate, or here in Rockhampton.”

“This new vessel will enhance capability for the whole region and is just the start of the benefits that will come from the formal establishment of MRQ later this year.”

Further information: 

In October 2020, the Queensland Government announced the establishment of a single marine rescue service for the State, which will bring together volunteers from Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland under an integrated service called Marine Rescue Queensland. 

Marine Rescue Queensland will be established within the Queensland Police Service, further strengthening relationships between marine rescue volunteers and Queensland’s Water Police.

ENDS