Marine Search and Rescue
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:16): (711) My question is for the Minister for Emergency Services. Marine Search and Rescue units across the state play an extremely important role in the safety of boaters around Victoria. Marine Search and Rescue crews are made up entirely of dedicated volunteers. Units are called upon to locate and provide emergency assistance to sinking vessels, vessels with mechanical problems and vessels that are run aground and to also provide search and rescue and medical assistance if required. There are 27 units and over 900 volunteers in Victoria, with 13 units in the eastern region alone.
One such unit is Southern Peninsula Rescue, which is one of the busiest units. It has one of only two 10-metre vessels in the bay, which is now over 14 years old. The life span of these vessels is 15 years. My question to the minister is: as we come into another long, hot summer, can you update the house on Marine Search and Rescue’s plan for this summer and future summers?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:17): I thank Mr Bourman for his question. This is a little bit of a precursor to my ministers statement today in relation to Marine Search and Rescue. It is a fantastic emergency services organisation. I am really grateful for the work that they do. There are around 800 to 900 volunteers around the state. As you have indicated, there are 27 units and 48 response vessels, and they are responsible for safety in offshore and inland waterways. Last week I announced VESEP grants were going to 10 MSAR units, so $350,000 for equipment and facility upgrades. Southern Peninsula was the one you mentioned, yes?
Jeff Bourman: Yes.
Jaclyn SYMES: The rescue squad will be receiving two Suzuki motors and two tech Dolphin motors.
Tom McIntosh interjected.
Jaclyn SYMES: We have a passionate local member here, visiting MSAR. We are also investing in MSAR through the Valuing Volunteers program and also the mental health and wellbeing program.
The fleet replacement program list is put together by industry experts. I do not pretend to know everything about the boats that are required, but the advice I receive is that they are replaced based on risk and operational need. Vessels are constantly monitored by the MSAR office to meet stringent national requirements. Inspections and condition assessments are conducted for vessels that are over the age of 15 but they are not necessarily retired at the age of 15, and units are supported to obtain equipment they need via MSAR vessel replacement.
I would also note, Mr Bourman, that I am aware of MSAR’s future needs and in active discussions with the Minister for Outdoor Recreation to explore opportunities for perhaps some collaboration and sustainable funding ideas.
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:19): I thank the minister for her answer. My supplementary is a little cheeky. Southern Peninsula Rescue do have a 14-year-old vessel, which can only be used for 15 years. Currently funding is insufficient to replace the vessel. My question is: will the minister make a priority budget bid to have the vessel replaced before it is sidelined and the rescue capability compromised?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:19): Thank you, Mr Bourman. I do believe that I addressed many of the points in your supplementary in my answer to your substantive, but thank you for raising it with me. I am very happy to speak directly with the brigade in relation to their budget issues. As well, I am sure you would be happy to put in a budget bid yourself.