Marine Rescue: Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven bases set for major upgrades

Multiple marine rescue bases on the NSW south coast could be in line for major upgrades if plans are approved by a regional council.

Marine Rescue Jervis Bay base.

A south coast NSW Marine Rescue base, in dire need of renovation and upgrades, could be on the brink of a major transformation thanks to a new proposal.

The extensive upgrades – paid for by a local government grant – are pinned for the Jervis Bay Marine Rescue base at Voyager Park, Huskisson, with a Marine Rescue spokeswoman telling this publication the current facility had become too “cramped”.

The upgrades, currently sitting with Shoalhaven Council for approval, are set to enhance the operational efficiency for the volunteers who use the base daily.

Plans reveal reconfiguration to the base’s ground floor, creating new internal spaces such as a meeting and training room, a store room and a change room, complete with shower and toilet facilities.

Demolition of some internal walls will double the space for meeting rooms, according to the Marine Rescue spokeswoman.

Marine Rescue Jervis Bay base ground floor plans.

“Conditions in the current building are cramped and there is insufficient space for meetings and training new and existing members,” she said.

“The upgraded building will offer more than twice the current capacity for meetings and training.”

Current Marine Rescue Shoalhaven base.

The upgrades will also include the construction of new areas, from a new radio room, search and rescue centre and dedicated training room, to new store rooms and administration area.

“The upgrade of the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay building will greatly enhance the facilities for our volunteers, who dedicate their time to saving lives on the water,” the spokeswoman said.

The proposed Jervis Bay upgrades arise just months after the organisation proposed plans to replace the existing Shoalhaven base with a new, modern facility.

The spokeswoman said the development application to redevelop the Shoalhaven base at Prince Edward Ave, Culburra Beach, was submitted to council in May this year.

She said the project involved constructing a new single-level, wheelchair accessible base to replace the current the current, two-bedroom fibro cottage, built in 1940.

“The new building will significantly increase floor space, offering expanded training room, meeting areas and greatly improved amenities,” the spokeswoman said.

“Additionally, the project will enhance security on the site.”

Plans for each proposal can be found on the council’s website.

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