Broome to get sea rescue HQ with radio facilities

The federal government has announced an investment of $3.2 million in new sea and air rescue facilities at Broome through the Community Development Grants Programme.

The facilities include a new Royal Flying Doctor Service Base, Volunteer Sea Rescue Headquarters and rescue vessel.

“The new RFDS and Volunteer Sea Rescue bases, along with a new rescue vessel, will be a major boost to the emergency capabilities of Broome, the Kimberley and surrounds, ensuring residents and visitors have peace of mind when it comes to their safety and wellbeing,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss.

The new aero-medical facility located at Broome Airport will get $2.7 million funding, while $500,000 will be provided for the Sea Rescue Headquarters and a rescue vessel that will be based at the Port of Broome.

The new Sea Rescue headquarters will include an operations room with facilities for radio, charting and coordination, while the specially designed rescue vessel will be able to operate in shallow, low-tide environments including sand bars and mangroves.

The overcall cost of the Sea Rescue Base and rescue vessel will be $1.2 million; the additional funding on top of the federal government money will be $581,000 from the Western Australian Government, $75,000 from Lottery West and $45,000 from Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue Group.

The $6 million new Royal Flying Doctors Service Base will receive $600,000 from Lottery West and $2.7 million is being sought from the state government.