Rescuers will have notable presence

Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue has received $200,000 State Government funding to establish a new headquarters and storage facility in Broome.

The organisation was one of 11 projects approved by the Kimberley Development Commission last week to receive funding from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions, Regional Grants Scheme.

KDC chairman Pat Dodson said the Kimberley would receive more than $890,000 in funding.

Mr Dodson said the organisation’s application was successful because the group performed an “essential community service”.

The group will use the grant to establish an operational facility for volunteers and storage for their primary rescue boat, creating a permanent base for the organisation which was founded 14 years ago.

BVSRG Commander Brett Winfield said the establishment of a purpose-built headquarters would provide a prompt emergency service to Broome’s recreational and commercial maritime community because of its closeness to Broome’s port facilities.

“The big difference is the close proximity to the launch ramps,” Mr Winfield said.

“In the past it was a hindrance not to be located close to the launching facilities ... we were too far from the port.”

Mr Winfield said the site would be highly visible to members of the public when driving towards the port.

He said the other benefit of the hub would be the reintroduction of a vital marine watch service for monitoring purposes.

Mr Winfield said he expected construction to start by the end of the year.