Marine Rescue Newcastle’s new $3 million home is taking shape at Stockton as construction continues on the purpose-built facility.
10 months after the first sod was turned at the western end of King Street, adjacent to the South Stockton boat ramp, all structural steel, trusses and frames have been installed on the first floor level.
Marine Rescue Newcastle Deputy Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said members are looking forward to calling the new facility home.
“The construction of the new base has generated a lot of interest and support for Marine Rescue NSW with a number of potential new volunteers making enquiries from Stockton and surrounding communities.
“We’ve already had several new members join and others have expressed an interest in Marine Rescue NSW as a direct result of the development,” Ms Van Homrigh said.
The Newcastle base at Stockton will feature a new radio room along with crew facilities providing Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with an all-weather space to train and from which to coordinate life-saving emergency responses.
The blockwork and lift shaft on the ground level has been completed while specialised roofing materials have been sourced with the roof to be installed shortly.
Cowyn Building Group Project Manager, Tim Hill said weather permitting, construction is on target with the building expected to be completed towards the end of June as planned.
The new base will ensure Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have the facilities they need to undertake their mission of saving lives on the water and keeping the Hunter’s active local boating community and visiting boaters safe.
“The facility at Stockton will also allow the expansion of the Newcastle Unit’s search and rescue capabilities,” Ms Van Homrigh said.
The new facility has been funded by a $2 million grant from the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands with the remainder coming from the NSW State Government’s commitment of $37.6 million to Marine Rescue NSW in 2019.
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