Stakeholders have say in boating safety plan • Compelling cases win Federal grant funds

Stakeholders have say in boating safety plan

Marine Rescue works with State Government on waterway strategies.

Marine Rescue NSW is helping to steer the future of boating safety on our state’s waterways.

This year marks the conclusion of the State Government’s first fouryear Maritime Safety Plan, which set the strategic direction in maritime safety from 2017 to 2021, with a new plan now under development.

The objective of the inaugural plan was to continue the downward trend in the drowning fatality rate and to further reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries by 30 per cent by the end of 2021.

With Transport for NSW working on the development of the second Maritime Safety Plan (MSP), MRNSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell and Director Operations Andrew Cribb recently attended the Countermeasures Workshop, which focused on the future of boating safety. The event was hosted by the Centre for Maritime Safety as an integral part of formulating MSP 2026.

More than 60 stakeholders joined the workshop in person or online, as Centre personnel shared updates on boating fatality and serious injury trends, recapped key findings from latest research and shared draft countermeasures and actions for the next MSP.

The draft countermeasures centre on emerging strategic themes: saving lives on our waterways, safer boating through technology and safer waterway access and infrastructure.

Participants debated the options being presented before voting to indicate support for key measures.

“The countermeasures workshop was a great opportunity to discuss current maritime safety issues and provide input on areas for future focus,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said. “Boating safety is central to the work of both organisations so it was great to work side-byside with the Centre for Maritime Safety, along with a range of other organisations and groups, to ensure we’re developing a plan that results in safer and more enjoyable trips for all waterway users.”

MRNSW Director Operations Andrew Cribb attends a workshop as part of the development of the NSW Maritime Safety Plan 2026.

Compelling cases win Federal grant funds

Five MRNSW units have been awarded more than $65,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities grants program.

MR Sydney has secured $10,247 for 10 laptops for its training activities, incident management and other radio room IT applications, along with a storage cabinet to keep the items secure.

MR Lemon Tree Passage has received a grant of $8,500 that will help the unit to save money in future by installing solar panels on its base.

The members of MR Brunswick have been training on Headquarterssupplied Rescue Water Craft in recent months. The unit has received $18,000 towards the cost of a new RWC.

Further south, the Lake Macquarie unit also received $18,405 for a new RWC.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips presented members of MR Ulladulla with $10,000 for an emergency generator on June 10.

Grants and Sponsorship Manager Mat Smith congratulated the units for developing compelling cases outlining their need for new and upgraded equipment.

“This funding will help the units to boost their rescue operations and support their volunteers,” he said.

Two units have received grants for Rescue Water Craft.