$15,000 to boost VMR’s service to boaties

MARCH 9, 2016: THE capabilities of the volunteer marine rescue service in the Whitsundays have been given a big boost thanks to more than $15,000 in funding under the Liberal National Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.I was keen to endorse the application by VMR Whitsunday for funding under the Stronger Communities Programme because this will allow the crew to purchase some of the equipment they need for their new rescue vessel.VMR Whitsunday provides a vital service in what is a popular and busy boating and sailing region and I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to support them in their endeavours to better serve their community.The group operates 24/7 and is on standby to assist ambulance, SES, Fire & Rescue, Water Police and Whitsunday Police day or night regardless of the weather conditions.It’s also worth noting that VMR Whitsunday is manned by volunteers who donate their time and skills for this very worthy endeavour.$15,189 in funding will be used by the group to purchase mandatory safety equipment such as a safety flotation device to house flares and EPIRB, as well as other equipment such as an outboard, fenders and a de-humidifier to protect electronic gear.VMR Whitsunday committee member Tom Manning said the grant was a welcome boost to the group’s fundraising efforts.“This allows us to tick off some more of the components needed to get our new rescue vessel completed and operational so we are now that much closer to our end goal,” Mr Manning said.