The opening of a new Marine Rescue NSW base at Point Clare on the state’s Central Coast has been marked with a name change for the volunteer unit. As the ribbon was cut on a new search and rescue facility today, Marine Rescue Brisbane Water was also officially launched.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch AM, joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially open the new $3.36 million Marine Rescue Brisbane Water base, funded by the NSW Government.
“It is important that the dedicated volunteers here at Marine Rescue Brisbane Water have a state-of-the-art facility to continue their vital lifesaving work on local waterways.
“I’m delighted to be here today as we mark the completion of this important project,” Ms Tesch said.
“This impressive new facility means the members of Marine Rescue Brisbane Water now have an operations base specifically designed to support them in their vital work of keeping watch over the local boating community.
“The NSW Government is proud to support Marine Rescue NSW volunteers by providing them with the facilities they need to deliver lifesaving services to the state’s boating community,” she said.
The new 600-square-metre Marine Rescue Brisbane Water base stands on the same site as the previous facility, which was no longer fit for purpose.
The two-storey building features training and meeting areas, a crew readiness room, radio and communications areas, offices and storage. It can also serve as a command centre during multi-agency operations.
Commissioner Barrell said the project was delivered on time and within budget by family-owned, NSW-based construction company Cowyn Building Group.
“Communication between the builder, Marine Rescue NSW and volunteers here at Brisbane Water was seamless, leading to an optimal outcome for the unit.
“This unit was the fifth busiest of our 46 across the state in 2024, with volunteers completing 240 search and rescue missions, including 43 emergency responses, safely returning 538 people to shore.
“Already this year, volunteers at the unit have performed more than 100 missions.
“Brisbane Water and the surrounding waterways are busy all year round, and the volunteers here are rescue-ready 24/7.
“Their dedication and commitment to local boaters and paddlers is greatly appreciated, and I thank them for their service.
“The unit’s name has been changed to reflect the area’s beautiful waters and to ensure that all five Marine Rescue NSW units in the Central Coast local government area have their own clear identity,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue Brisbane Water Unit Commander Ian Morrow (above) said he had been looking forward to this day since plans for a new base were first discussed eight years ago.
“Our new name and new base are both warmly welcomed by the 142 volunteers at the unit, and I am confident the local community will embrace Marine Rescue Brisbane Water just as they did our former name.
“I hope this new facility leads to increased volunteer enquiries. We are always looking to recruit vessel crew, radio operators and fundraisers to support our mission of saving lives on the water.
“After working out of a temporary facility for nine months, we are delighted to now be operating and training from our new home. Our members have shown incredible patience and dedication during the transition and construction period.
“This new facility is better integrated into our existing infrastructure, with easy access to the jetty allowing for rapid rescue response. The state-of-the-art training area is crucial to ensuring our volunteers remain rescue-ready,” Unit Commander Morrow said.
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