- Over $20 million investment is delivering vessels across the state
- New vessels already delivered with new locations for next round of new vessels released for the first time.
- Part of the Miles Government's historic investment establishing a new single, integrated, legislated marine rescue service – Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ).
The Miles Government's historic reforms to marine rescue operations in Queensland are delivering real benefits to volunteer units across the state.
An investment of over $22 million by the Miles Government is delivering new vessels for marine rescue units up and down the Queensland Coast.
Several vessels have already been delivered, with recipient unit locations including Thursday Island, Tin Can Bay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Currumbin, and Mackay.
Redcliffe and Bundaberg are due to receive their new vessels during 2024-2025.
In addition, it can be revealed for the first time publicly that the following recipient unit locations are expected to receive a new vessel by end of next financial year:
- Noosa
- Mornington Island
- Weipa
- Southport
- Round Hill
- Brisbane (QF2 based at Manly)
- Midge Point
- Port Douglas
- Cardwell
- Tully
- Sandy Straits
- Yeppoon
The Vessel Replacement Program is underpinned by an evidence-based decision-making process which informs a priority list.
The priority list, in turn, is based on a review of accumulated resource to risk information which includes operational requirements such as activation history and boating population, vessel condition, fit for purpose status, current capability, unit funding and the ability to support the community.
The Vessel Replacement Program is currently scheduled to deliver a total of over twenty vessels, including two tenders, across five staged groups of work to marine rescue units, with further tender arrangements to follow.
As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"The vessel delivery program is one of the key benefits of the historic reforms the government has made to marine rescue operations in Queensland.
"Our marine rescue volunteers do incredible work out on the water every day supporting the community and keeping those on the water safe.
"And our volunteers deserve to have the best possible vessels and equipment to enable them to undertake their life-saving work."
As stated by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"I welcome these new vessels that will help ensure our water community keeps safe and feels safe.
"Marine rescue volunteers are dedicated to delivering important local community safety services and supporting their local community.
"These modernised vessels will help provide improved capability for volunteers responding to rescue situations."
As stated by Marine Rescue Queensland Chief Officer Tony Wulff:
"Marine rescue volunteers deliver life-saving local community safety services.
"New and modern rescue vessels enhance the services volunteers tirelessly provide, supporting their mission to protect people on our waterways every day.
"Updating and replacing marine search and rescue vessels for communities and the boating public helps us all in our goal to enhance public safety."
