Coast Guard and VMR to merge into Marine Rescue Qld as funding windfall brings new boats

The new name for the Queensland Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue has been announced ahead of the entities merging under the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services department.

Marine Rescue Queensland will be the new name for the Queensland Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue when the two entities merge as part of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services department.

No date has been set for the merger but talks and negotiations were first started in 2018.

The new name is in line with the precedent set in New South Wales when the Coast Guard and VMR amalgamated and was called Marine Rescue NSW.

The new name for the Queensland Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue has been announced ahead of the entities merging under the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services department.

The name was chosen after QFES held a public survey last year calling for suggestions and 87per cent of the 1000 respondents voted for Marine Rescue Queensland.

There are more than 3000 volunteers across 47 marine rescue units in Queensland who will continue duties on water and helping boaties.

After announcing the new name, QFES Minister Mark Ryan also revealed the first marine rescue vessel contract had been awarded under a $17.38 million construction contract.

Mr Ryan said the new vessels would replace ageing search and rescue boats and would be made over four years to ensure marine rescue volunteers had the right equipment.

The new marine rescue service was also given a further $470,000 for a grant program to directly support frontline units.

“The program will provide additional funding to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland,” Mr Ryan said.

“It will help reduce the fundraising burden on marine rescue units and assist with the replacement of necessary equipment or fund facility maintenance based on local needs.

“Individual VMRAQ Squadrons and AVCGA Flotillas will be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 each to support their local needs and priorities.”

Originally published as Coast Guard and VMR to merge into Marine Rescue Qld as funding windfall brings new boats