- Cook Government invests more than $775,000 into new resources to bolster emergency responses in the region
- Carnarvon SES receives new Heavy Flood Rescue Boat to enhance emergency response
- Modern and upgraded boat shed delivered to Marine Rescue Carnarvon to safeguard response vessels
The Cook Government has invested more than $775,000 to upgrade and improve emergency services resources in the Mid West-Gascoyne to help keep local communities safe.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the new marine facilities and a new rescue boat would greatly enhance the response times of hardworking volunteers to help safeguard Western Australians.
The Marine Rescue Carnarvon has taken possession of a purpose-built $525,000 boat shed to accommodate its recently upgraded fleet.
Carnarvon SES has received a new Heavy Flood Rescue Boat and trailer worth $250,000 to support the unit carry out rescues across the region.
The Cook Government has had a strong focus on supporting emergency services in the Mid West-Gascoyne with Marine Rescue Carnarvon receiving a $530,000 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat in August 2023.
The new boat shed and rescue vessels were funded through the Emergency Services Levy.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Western Australians have a great love of water and it's vitally important that our emergency services volunteers are provided with the best resources available to ensure they can protect people travelling on rivers and the sea.
"The Cook Government continues to support our volunteers in the Mid West-Gascoyne and this new heavy rescue boat and boat shed will greatly enhance emergency response times.
"I know these resources will be put to good use by these hardworking volunteers and I know the local communities are very grateful to have such well-skilled and well-equipped volunteers keeping an eye out for them."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
"The Mid West-Gascoyne region is an area that can be subjected to a wide range of devastating and challenging emergency situations, including major storms, fires and flooding.
"I am very thankful for the incredible 24/7 service provided by our volunteers in safeguarding and protecting Carnarvon and other local communities during an emergency and their readiness to lend a helping hand.
"The Cook Government recognises this selfless sacrifice and commitment by our volunteers and which is why it has invested in ensuring these frontline emergency services volunteers have modern equipment and resources to perform their role."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Marine Rescue Carnarvon covers some of the most treacherous coastline in WA so a new shed that will help protect their boats and lifesaving equipment is greatly welcomed.
"The new Heavy Flood Rescue Boat will provide Carnarvon SES with the ability to reach more areas and launch from a range of locations in remote areas.
"This new vessel and marine base will bolster frontline efforts in the region and I'm confident Carnarvon SES and Marine Rescue Carnarvon will make great use of these resources to help them to protect their communities."
