01.12.2008

The Rees Government will establish a new volunteer marine rescue organisation to be called NSW Marine Rescue following a joint announcement by Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi, and the Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly.

The formation of the new body was the conclusion of the John Price Report into the volunteer marine rescue movement and will see the amalgamation of the state's three existing marine rescue organisations; the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

“NSW currently has three voluntary marine rescue organisations, with an assortment of vessels, operational bases and hundreds of wonderful volunteers,” Mr Tripodi said.

“The Price Report considered their structures, adequacy and sustainability and recommended the establishment of a new rescue group, with membership to be invited from the existing three volunteer organisations.”

The transitional period will be two years, in keeping with Price Report recommendations.

The NSW State Government will provide $3 million towards establishing the new organisation and will also maintain NSW Maritime’s annual funding of $1.35 million during the transition period.

Mr Kelly said the new service would eliminate duplication of existing resources, with the aim to standardise vessels, equipment and training.