The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien MP, has expressed confusion and disappointment as Port Welshpool Coastguard was overlooked for funding to replace its 25-year-old rescue vessel.
Mr O’Brien’s comments follow a recent state government announcement of funding for new rescue vessels for Coast Guard Western Port and the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad.
“While I am always happy to see funds allocated to improve community safety, I am extremely frustrated to see no funding allocated to Port Welshpool, despite its vessel being well beyond its expected service life and frequently unavailable due to maintenance issues.
“My understanding is that the current vessels used by the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad in particular are in far better shape than that in Port Welshpool.”
The Port Welshpool Coastguard covers Corner Inlet and the waters surrounding Wilsons Promontory, one of Victoria’s busiest and most challenging boating areas.
It is regularly called on to assist stranded recreational boaters, rescue kayakers caught by sudden weather changes and help retrieve injured hikers from Wilsons Promontory.
Mr O’Brien said the decision raised serious questions about how the government determined which Coastguard units would receive replacement vessels and why Port Welshpool was overlooked.
“With a 25-year-old vessel, high downtime and no alternative rescue boat in the region, it’s difficult to understand how Port Welshpool missed out.
“Its current vessel was out of action for around 60 per cent of last year, leaving large stretches of coastline without reliable local coverage.”
Mr O’Brien said he was aware that Emergency Management Victoria’s Search and Rescue Department has been working on a priority vessel replacement program and questioned whether the government’s funding decisions were consistent with its recommendations.
“I would be very interested to know whether this outcome aligns with EMV’s priority assessments.”
Mr O’Brien said he has written to the government seeking clarity on the assessment process used to allocate funding and is urging the Allan Labor Government to reconsider its decision.