NSW Boaters vote in favour of Marine Rescue NSW

NSW Boaters have voted overwhelmingly in favour of providing ongoing support to volunteer organisation, Marine Rescue NSW.

Minister for Ports and Waterways Paul McLeay today announced the boating community had committed to a financial contribution of $7.50 from boating licences and registrations.

“I’m pleased to see the boating community getting behind the initiative. We had 2150 responses to the discussion paper proposal with 79 per cent of responses supporting the contribution.

“The boating community recognises the valuable work of Marine Rescue NSW in assisting more than 2500 people in trouble each year.

“Each individual contribution from boating licences and registrations adds up to $5 million a year extra, which will all go directly to the volunteer organisation.

“This is on top of the existing funding of $1.4 million the Keneally Government has committed to providing. The contribution from boaters will provide Marine Rescue NSW with total funding of $6.4 million a year.

McLeay said boater numbers are expected to double to around 900,000 in 25 years.

“This additional funding is a positive step in securing the organisation’s future and ensuring they continue to keep our coastal waters safe.

“NSW Maritime is committed to ensuring that 100 per cent of the Marine Rescue NSW contribution is provided directly to the volunteer organisation, and there will be annual accountability for all funds spent.

“Marine Rescue NSW units will also need to fund 50 per cent of their operational and capital funding through local fundraising to ensure the volunteer spirit is retained.”

The Marine Rescue NSW funding contribution will start from September 2010, and is set at $7.50 for both boat licences and registrations, or $3 for concession holders.