Labor risks leaving marine rescue groups high and dry

COMMUNITIES along Queensland’s coastline need well- supported and well- resourced volunteer marine rescue organisations.

Whether they are badged as Coast Guard or Volunteer Marine Rescue ( VMR), these communityrun organisations watch over all who venture out on the water.

Labor is reviewing marine rescue operations and funding of the 21 coast guard and 26 VMR locations across Queensland.

While the State Government supports the marine rescue organisations through existing service level agreements, these will expire on June 30, 2019.

The review result is still up in the air but a few things are certain.

Queensland’s marine rescue groups want a funding increase to ensure they remain viable and are able to keep watching over us.

Many marine rescue groups are finding it ever harder to make ends meet and are relying on community donations.

It would be unacceptable if the capabilities of our marine rescue groups were put at risk because of insufficient funding from Labor.

The service our marine rescue groups provide is too important.

The Liberal National Party thinks it’s time Labor paid attention to community expectations and delivered the funding needed by these volunteer groups.

Have your say on the review: QFESVMROR@ qfes. qld. gov. au LACHLAN MILLAR,

Opposition Fire and Emergency Services spokesman.