Whitsunday VMR receives $420,000 in funding to expand hub

The Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue club has secured nearly half a million dollars in funding as rescues in the region clock in at 60 per cent more compared to this time last year.

The volunteers who keep boaties safe on Whitsunday waters have received nearly half a million dollars in funding to expand their hub.

The Volunteer Marine Rescue club has been on the outskirts of emergency services as it battles to merge with mainstream providers to stay above water in insurance premiums.

As of April 8, the Whitsunday VMR has responded to 78 activations so far in 2022.

A Whitsunday VMR spokeswoman said this was up 60 per cent from the same time in 2021, which had 30 less rescues by April.

The $420,000 funding is set to secure the 50 plus volunteers at the Whitsunday VMR a bigger hub and the finances and space to access technology to keep boaties safe on the water.

VMR Whitsunday.

The Morrison government announced the funding on Saturday, with minister for emergency management Bridget McKenzie and Dawson candidate Andrew Willcox both expressing their support.

Mr Willcox said it was particularly necessary given the Whitsundays popularity as a boating holiday destination and the high numbers of local anglers.

“It’s essential that the hardworking volunteers who watch out for our boaties have the services they need,” Mr Willcox said.

Dawson LNP candidate Andrew Willcox. Picture: Contributed

He said the expansion would include a kitchenette, multiple whiteboards, planning spaces, separate meeting rooms and other facilities.

“The expansion of the top level will give the region’s marine communications hub the space needed for regular rescue services, as well as full scale search and rescue operations,” he said.

“If you’re out fishing, snorkelling, or just relaxing, it’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, the team at VMR are there for you.

“This is an important community development project, and as a local, I’m proud of the amazing work the volunteers do, often in high pressure situations, to support our region and keep our waters safe.”

Mrs McKenzie said she met with volunteers when she visited the club earlier this year.

“(They) outlined the need for an expansion to make sure they not only have the space they need, but that they also have access to state-of -the-art radio equipment, IT capability and continuous power supply,” she said.

“This club is an institution in the Whitsundays region, but the demands on the rescue service mean that the venue has outgrown its current capacity for undertaking rescues and delivering programs like first aid courses and navigation training.”