Coast Guard seeking new home base
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Coast Guard seeking new home base

Coast Guard Paynesville is looking for a new permanent consolidated home.

Members recently met with local Nationals MP’s Tim Bull and Darren Chester to discuss options.

Commander Michael Doyle explained the flotilla currently has an office at the community centre, 300 metres from the vessel and a separate storage facility on a third site.

“We would preferably like to be consolidated on one waterfront site and want to advance discussions with the various agencies in relation to this,” he said.

The Paynesville Flotilla has in the vicinity of 100 call outs each year, the majority being over the warmer months when boating activity increases, but the needs are year-round.

Mr Bull said he would commence more in-depth discussions with the various local agencies, that included Gippsland Ports and East Gippsland Shire.

“It is a reasonable expectation for the volunteers to be seeking a suitable waterfront site and given the great job they do in responding to emergency situations, a waterfront site is preferable,” he said.

Mr Chester said apart from their emergency response service, the simple presence of the flotilla in Paynesville provided important peace of mind to local and visiting boaters, knowing they are there if required.

“They’re an important part of their community and if we can find them a consolidated base, it is the very least we can do,” he added.

Caption: Coast Guard Paynesville Commander, Michael Doyle and members Greg Marsh and Cheryl Daly with local State and Federal MP’s Tim Bull and Darren Chester, discussing their push for a consolidated new home.

Monday, October 18, 2021