This election commitment will go towards the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new one that is better equipped to handle future emergencies.
If a significant emergency event happened on the South Coast, the Marine Rescue Shoalhaven base at Crookhaven Heads would play a critical role for all local emergency services.
Volunteers use the Pilot House site to monitor marine distress frequencies 24 hours a day, log vessels and coordinate marine search and rescue operations.
The wider community will also be able to use the new building for local meetings, workshops and small conferences.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was joined by Senator Tim Ayres for the announcement at the base on Thursday morning.
Mrs Phillips said Marine Rescue Shoalhaven volunteers had dedicated their lives to keeping boaters safe on local waterways and at sea for five decades.
“Last June I was delighted to join with the members for the 50th birthday celebrations and I’m proud to have joined them once again for this announcement today,” she said.
“The Marine Rescue NSW base at Crookhaven Heads has always played a vital role in keeping our community safe, and this significant upgrade will be invaluable to the volunteers in the event of future emergencies.
“I know that the community has been calling for this much-needed upgrade, and that is why I am so proud to be delivering it.”
Senator Ayres said this funding was critical for keeping the community of the South Coast safe in the event of future emergencies.
“Fiona Phillips has been advocating hard on behalf of her community to secure this federal funding,” he said.
“The Albanese Labor Government knows how important local community groups like Marine Rescue are in times of emergencies and disasters.”
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Photos: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was joined by Senator Tim Ayres and Marine Rescue Shoalhaven volunteers for the announcement on Thursday.
