Grant District Council has refloated the idea of a South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) in Port MacDonnell.
At the council’s September meeting last week, chief executive Darryl Whicker outlined the need for a rescue service in Port MacDonnell and council’s support in establishing a VMR facility in his monthly update.
The idea gained in-principal support from councillors, subject to further investigation into the potential use of the Elizabeth Street council depot site for the facility and future lease arrangements being presented to council for consideration.
Mr Whicker will now continue engagement and negotiation with SASES.
The move comes more than a decade after the council submitted a proposal to the State Government in 2012 advocating for a similar service in Port MacDonnell.
“This proposal received broad support from SAPOL, emergency services, marine industry stakeholders and the local community,” Mr Whicker said.
“Council subsequently supported a follow-up SASES bid in 2021 and despite multiple budget proposals by SASES, a VMR has not been supported by the State Government and remains a top priority of advocacy for Grant District Council, the Limestone Coast Zone Emergency Management Committee and recently the LCLGA.”
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“SASES has now indicated its intention to prepare a formal business case for the establishment of a VMR service in Port MacDonnell for consideration in this year’s State Budget,” Mr Whicker said.
“As part of this process, SASES seeks council’s in-principle support for the concept, particularly regarding the potential use of land currently occupied by the council depot on Elizabeth Street, adjacent to the existing SA Country Fire Service (CFS) premises.
“The co-location of emergency services would create a strategic hub, enhancing community preparedness, response, recovery and resilience.”
Council noted the proposed facility would primarily consist of a storage shed to house a rescue vessel, a tow vehicle, a rescue vessel, associated equipment and potential future inclusion of a fast-response vessel.
Mr Whicker said he and Works and Infrastructure director Tony Jordan had met with key stakeholders on-site and “believe the request is feasible”.
“The Lower South-East region, particularly Port MacDonnell, has long been identified as a critical gap in marine emergency response coverage,” Mr Whicker said.
“With over 200km of coastline between Kingston SE and the Victorian border currently underserved, the absence of a dedicated marine rescue service has resulted in community reliance on commercial and recreational fishers for emergency response often at personal risk and without formal support.
“Recent incidents, including fatalities, have underscored the urgent need for a coordinated and resourced marine rescue capability.
“SAPOL has confirmed that in multiple cases, a VMR asset would have significantly improved outcomes.”
