An additional $19.5 million will be spent on the State’s Volunteer Marine Rescue Service (VMRS) over four years.
The funding will give the State’s Volunteer Marine Rescue Service groups secure, long-term funding for the first time since being brought under the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
In some cases, volunteer groups have been operating with vessels that are 20 years old or older.
This financial year’s funding has been significantly boosted by $3 million and will grow by $4.5 million in 2019-20, and $6 million a year in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Western Australia’s Volunteer Marine Rescue Service groups have a long history of fundraising to support their sea rescue efforts.
This practice will continue, but this funding will go towards fit-for-purpose buildings, towing vehicles, trailers, radio communication infrastructure, and specialist marine rescue and safety equipment over the four years.
The funding will also include the creation of two regionally-based support roles in Geraldton and Karratha to provide administrative and training support. This will give volunteers more time for training and operational duty.
The VMRS groups will be funded by an increase in the Emergency Services Levy of $28, on average, in metropolitan areas and between $8 to $17, on average, in regional areas.