Mallacoota Coast Guard has received almost $300,000 in funding to build a three-door shed, thanks to the Emergency Services Volunteer Equipment Sustainability Grant Program, Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, announced today.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the announcement of the shed was the icing on the cake for the flotilla, with the former Coalition Government having provided $80,000 in funding to go towards the purchase of a new vessel.

“This really is pleasing news for the flotilla, which has advocated strongly for this upgrade,” he said.

“Having met with the flotilla about this issue and toured the site while assisting in advocating for the shed, I know how much this means to the entire community and members of the Mallacoota Coast Guard.”

Flotilla Commander, John Rudge, said the organisation had fought long and hard for this development and was excited to receive funds for the construction of the new shed, to be located on Crown land in Betka Road, Mallacoota.

“This is very good news for us. Operating without a shed has been extremely difficult, not to mention the security issues we had over the boat in its current location,” said Mr Rudge, who expects the facility to be operational by summer,” Mr Rudge said.

“We are extremely happy with the result, we are now in a position to go to Council and get a building permit. It’s in an ideal location because it has street frontage front and back,” he said.

Mr Bull said the Emergency Management Victoria grants program benefitted many different organisations east of Orbost.

“Ambulance Victoria at Orbost received $8750 for first aid equipment and training and CPR dummies, while SES units at Mallacoota, Bendoc, Cann River and Orbost also received financial assistance,” he said.

“The SES units will use the funding to purchase operational equipment, fuel cabinets, lighting upgrades, freezers and four-wheel-drive recovery kits.”

Caption: Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, announces funding for the new Mallacoota Coast Guard vessel in 2014. The flotilla is now able to provide cover for the vessel, receiving almost $300,000 in grants funding for the construction of a new shed.

Friday, June 2, 2017