Coast Guard thrown a Life Line

Member for Gympie, David Gibson MP has taken up the challenge for a better funding model to help keep afloat the Tin Can Bay Coast Guard.

Mr Gibson said that after 15 years of Labor neglect there were no increases in funding for this group across Queensland.

“This wonderful organisation serves our community in often harsh conditions to keep our coast lines safe,” Mr Gibson said.

As a result of extensive lobbying by the Tin Can Bay Coast Guard Grants and Funding Officer, Phil Feldman, Mr Gibson called a meeting of Parliamentarians who had Coast Guard or VMR units in their electorate to discussions options on how to improve on the current funding model to ensure the long-term viability of the groups.

Mr Gibson said, “The funding issue is something that the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon Jack Dempsey and the Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers, the Honourable Ted Malone are both well aware of. I thank them both for listening to the people of Queensland, our volunteers, as we work together to resolve the matter.”

Mr Feldman said “Support from the community is extremely important because without it the Coast Guard would be unable to assist the local and visiting boating fraternity when they are in trouble on the water. If the Coast Guard was not there then help is over 100 kilometres away”.

“In order for all Queenslanders to show their support for this vital volunteer organisation and the need for a sustainable funding model, I have put forward an e-petition to Parliament, sponsored by David Gibson MP,” Mr Feldman said. The link to this e-petition is http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2316 .

“The Tin Can Bay Coast Guard volunteers are a dedicated and highly trained and motivated group of people but they simply can’t continue without funding.”