In a time of increased pressure on the vital and much-loved Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday Club (VMR), the Whitsundays institution is set for expansion thanks to $420,000 from Federal Government.
Minister for Regionalisation and Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Bridget McKenzie met with VMR President Mal Priday on Saturday to announce the funding, accompanied by Liberal Nationals Party candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.
Senator McKenzie said the demands on the rescue service have outgrown the club’s base of operations on Altmann Avenue in Cannonvale.
“It is vital that this club of around 50 dedicated volunteers has the appropriate technology and space to keep our boaties safe on the water, especially at busy times like Easter,” Minister McKenzie said.
“This funding means this beautiful Whitsundays holiday hot-spot continues to be protected by a highly skilled and capable marine rescue.”
Mr Priday said the development will expand the buildings top level, giving the region’s marine communications hub the space needed for regular rescue services, as well as full scale search and rescue operations.
It will include a kitchenette, multiple whiteboards and planning spaces, separate meeting rooms and other facilities.
“Last year we were 30 per cent up [on activations] and at the moment we are 60 per cent up on that and that's putting a lot of pressure on us,” Mr Priday said.
“We need to make sure we have a proper search and rescue centre. And that's part of what this proposal is: an expanded training room to provide better facilities for our volunteers. “
Liberal Nationals Party candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said the expansion is a boost to the local Whitsundays communities of Airlie Beach and Cannonvale.
“The Whitsundays is one of the most attractive boating holiday destinations in the country, with high numbers of local boat ownership as well, so it’s essential that the hard-working volunteers who watch out for our boaties have the services they need,” Mr Willcox said.
VMR President Mal Priday LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and VMR Volunteer Rodger Wodson aboard Coral Sea Marina VMR 1 Rescue Boat
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
