Last Saturday was a big day for the members of Marine Rescue Broken Bay with the commissioning of $424k rescue vessel Broken Bay 21 and the inspection of progress on their new $1.215 million headquarters.
Attending the ceremony were the Hon. Rob Stokes, MP Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, and Minister for Active Transport, Alex Barrell, MRNSW Deputy Commissioner, Ken Edwards, MRNSW Greater Sydney Board Director, Councillor Michael Gencher, Northern Beaches Council as well as Unit Commanders and Deputy Commanders from surrounding units and Broken Bat itself.
Minister Stokes
Minister Rob Stokes was representing Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, and said that the new base, on the shores of Pittwater on Sydney’s northern beaches, was being developed thanks to a contribution of $915,000 from the State Government’s four-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW; with the remainder of the funding from a $100,000 Community Partnerships Grant and a $200,000 investment by Pittwater Council. The 7.5 metre state of the art rescue vessel, Broken Bay 21, has been funded from the State Governments ongoing investment in the modernisation of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.
“I’m delighted to be here today as we inspect progress on this exciting new project,” Minister Stokes said.
“When complete, this tremendous new facility will mean the Marine Rescue Broken Bay volunteers will have an operations base specifically designed to support them in their work to keep watch over the Pittwater and Broken Bay boating community and save lives on the water.”
“This new facility will be fitted with the latest marine communications and search and rescue technology, enhancing their ability to listen for distress calls from boaters in trouble and to respond to emergencies around the clock.”
“When coupled with a new 7.5 metre state of the art rescue boat, designed in conjunction with the volunteers of the Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit, they represent a major boost to the safety of boaters on Broken Bay.”
Marine Rescue Deputy Commissioner Operations, Alex Barrell, said that the new facility would showcase the latest generation of online marine radio technology, as well as a large training and meeting space, storage for rescue equipment, offices, amenities, kitchen facilities, a wet area for boat crews, and improved access for volunteers living with a disability.
Official party at the commissioning
Inspecting building progress
The new rescue vessel, built specifically for local conditions, has several unique features.
“Designed with input from our volunteers, the new rescue vessel boasts a drop down bow allowing it to pull up to beaches to rescue stranded boaters and walkers; as well as sonar, radar, a full Raymarine navigation suite and greater safety and protection on the water for its volunteer crew,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
“Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for the support of the NSW State Government in ensuring our volunteers have fit-for-purpose facilities and vessels designed and equipped for modern emergency management – and that means greater safety for the Pittwater and Broken Bay boating community.”
