The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, is calling on the Allan Labor Government to urgently fund a new vessel for the Port Welshpool Coastguard.
Mr O’Brien recently met with the dedicated team of volunteers who cover Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory to discuss concerns that their current vessel is no longer fit for purpose.
“The Port Welshpool Coastguard plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, but their vessel is now 25 years old and was out of action for around 60 per cent of last year due to maintenance issues,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This leaves a huge stretch of coastline without reliable coverage, with the next nearest option being the water police at Paynesville.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that the Port Welshpool Coastguard is regularly called out to assist stranded boaties, rescue kayakers caught by sudden weather changes, and even retrieve injured hikers from Wilsons Promontory.
“These volunteers provide an essential service to locals and visitors alike, and they deserve the tools to do the job properly.
The Coastguard has developed a strong business case outlining the need for a replacement vessel, estimated at around $2 million.
“I have written to the Minister and provided this business case, and I urge the Government to act quickly.”
Mr O’Brien stressed that there is no alternative vessel in the region that can do the work of the Port Welshpool Coastguard.
“This is about community safety and the volunteers cannot continue to rely on a boat that spends more time out-of-action than on the water.
“It’s time the Allan Labor Government backed these volunteers with the resources they need to keep Gippslanders and visitors to our region safe.”