Busselton volunteer sea search and rescue group secures Government funding

3/3/00
Two local groups are to benefit from State Government grants totalling $337,000 for Volunteer Marine Rescue Services (VMRS) throughout the State.
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince, who today announced the grants, said the funding would pay for necessary equipment and infrastructure to help the volunteers who provide marine rescue services in their communities.
"With the vastness of Western Australia's coastline and its variety of recreational and professional uses, the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services must be equipped to prevent, prepare and respond to marine incidents in a timely and efficient manner,"
the Minister said.
There are 34 VMRS groups in WA, served by 2,500 volunteers. Fifteen organisations have received funding in the current round of grants.
Geographe Bay Sea Rescue Group is to receive $19,000 to upgrade the 15 year old Volvo Penta Motor on its dedicated rescue vessel 'Commonwealth Bank'. The new motor will ensure a reliable and speedy response to emergencies without placing the rescue crew and passengers at risk.
The Naturaliste Sea Rescue Group will receive $11,500 to purchase a small dedicated rescue vessel with jet propulsion.
"With over 50 per cent of the group's callouts from surfers in difficulties on the west side of Cape Naturaliste, the jet-propelled vessel will provide the manoeuvrability within the surf breaks ensuring safety of the volunteers and passengers,"
the Minister said.
The other 13 VMRS groups to benefit are spread throughout the State from Broome, Exmouth and Shark Bay in the north to Albany, Jurien Bay and Esperance in the south.
"Each of the recipients has differing needs," Mr Prince said.
"Purchases will range from dedicated rescue vessels and specialist search equipment such as Global Positioning Systems and HF Radios, to the building or upgrading of premises and refurbishing interiors with new office equipment.
"Through community support each group has been able to provide a 50 per cent financial contribution to supplement the State Government funding. As a non-profit service, this 50 per cent contribution is the community's recognition of the invaluable rescue service the volunteers provide."
The VMRS groups throughout the State respond to any offshore marine emergency. These range from the rescue of surfers and fishermen washed from rocks to sinking or lost vessels.
In 1998-99 the 34 VMRS groups responded to more than 1,700 emergencies, 117 of which were life threatening incidents.
"Last financial year the VMRS volunteers gave more than 6,000 man-hours and rescued more than 2,200 people from the dangers of the sea," the Minister said.
The VMRS falls under the management umbrella of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA (FESA) which has a commitment to enhance the capabilities of the service throughout the State.
"This grants program is part of the State Government's $1 million annual increase in funding to sea search and rescue groups over the next three years, in the interests of creating safer coastal communities," Mr Prince said.
Media contact: Chris Morris 9220 5000