VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services a question about the preparedness of our volunteer marine rescue associations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: The volunteer marine rescue associations provide a valuable community service along the coastline of South Australia. As members may know, the peak recreational boating season is almost upon us; indeed, for some of us it commences very early Sunday morning.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: We are not sitting Sunday morning. What activities have been undertaken to ensure that our VMR organisations are ready for the boating season ahead?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for his important question, delivered with such enthusiasm.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Self-interest—I am not sure about that.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Issue a warning to all the fish out there; that might be a good idea, although perhaps it depends on whom you are going fishing with. As we all know, VMR associations provide a response to marine incidents and emergencies throughout the state and assist SAPOL in meeting its obligations under the national search and rescue plan. The onset of warmer weather and the summer holidays substantially increases the potential for marine incidents and emergencies. I am sure that I do not need to tell members in this place that, as we have heard, South Australians love their recreational sailing, boating and fishing.

Operational considerations are coordinated by the State Marine Rescue Committee, including an annual exercise and training program to ensure we are prepared and ready to respond. Since last summer VMR associations have improved their level of preparedness to respond to marine incidents and emergencies in many ways. As part of the VMR vessel replacement program, a new vessel for the Victor Harbor/Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron has been purchased at a cost of almost $164,000, for employment on the South Coast, Lower Murray and lake areas.

Procurement of replacement towing vehicles for the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard's Port Vincent Flotilla and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Port Victoria has been effected through the VMR contingency fund. Vessel storage facilities and regional operational bases at the Edithburgh Flotilla of the South Australia Sea Rescue Squadron and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol have also been completed.

During marine incidents, strong communications are essential and communications capability and coordination between agencies have been improved through the provision of additional Government Radio Network radio infrastructure to VMR associations by means of government funding. Through our capital program, the State Emergency Service has substantially improved its marine response capability on the Far West Coast with the new $300,000 multi-hulled vessel based at the Ceduna SES unit.

This year's budget sees funding for an SES rescue vessel at Port Lincoln, at a cost of $350,000, further demonstrating the government's commitment to marine safety and to supporting our volunteers by ensuring that they are well resourced. The current Port Lincoln vessel will be redeployed to Kinston in the South-East.

The State Marine Rescue Committee has continued a statewide exercise program, with multi-agency exercises already conducted or planned in regional areas. Additionally, a major, multi-agency exercise called 'Exercise Fellshort III' will take place at West Beach on Sunday 9 December. Individual associations continue to conduct regular courses and training to ensure their members have received the necessary training to fulfil operational requirements.

VMR associations also provide valuable preparedness and prevention action by providing information and displays at public gatherings and relevant service clubs and social groups. Many members may already be aware of the valuable work the associations undertake as a result of seeing some of these displays and presentations.

VMR associations have never been better prepared or resourced in preparation for the summer holidays and boating season. They are well placed to meet the risk to the community and to provide support to SAPOL by responding to marine incidents and emergencies, as required.

While our VMR associations are well prepared and ready, I urge all those undertaking boating and marine activities to do so in a safe and responsible manner to reduce the risk to themselves and the demand on our VMR volunteers, who do a tremendous job on behalf of the South Australian community