An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $550,000 to upgrade the Ulverstone Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) facility, ensuring the marine rescue teams have the resources they need to respond effectively to emergencies and keep Tasmanians safe on the water.
The project will enable the VMR unit to store their newly acquired vessel on-site, eliminating delays caused by offsite storage and ensuring they can respond to incidents in a timely manner.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $750,000, with the Central Coast Council already committing $200,000 towards the upgrade.
Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, who visited Ulverstone to announce this funding, said the investment was essential to improving marine safety and supporting the region’s volunteers.
“The men and women of Tasmania’s Volunteer Marine Rescue dedicate their time and skills to saving lives. It is our responsibility to ensure they have the right infrastructure to do their job safely and effectively,” Mr Dutton said.
“Labor has failed to deliver for regional Tasmania. The Coalition, in contrast, is committed to strengthening emergency services, supporting volunteers, and ensuring communities like Ulverstone get the infrastructure they need.”
Liberal Party Candidate for Braddon, Mr Mal Hingston, emphasised the importance of the project for the local community, highlighting the critical role it will play in improving marine safety, supporting volunteers, and ensuring residents and visitors feel safer on the water.
“I’ve heard firsthand from local marine rescue volunteers, boaters, and emergency responders who are frustrated by the limitations of the current facility,” Mr Hingston said.
“When every second counts on the water, this upgrade will mean faster response times and ultimately more lives saved. With more people out on the water than ever, we must invest in the infrastructure that keeps them safe and supports our volunteer marine rescue teams.”
The Coalition’s commitment to the Ulverstone Marine Rescue Facility Upgrade is part of a broader plan to invest in essential regional infrastructure and support volunteer emergency services.
Only the Coalition has a plan to deliver for regional Tasmania – ensuring local communities receive the infrastructure and support they need to thrive.
