MRQ has marked twelve months since the establishment of the state’s first integrated marine rescue service, created under the Marine Rescue Queensland Act 2024.
On that day, MRQ joined SES colleagues to become members of Queensland’s disaster and emergency services response, operating under the management of the Queensland Police Service.
MRQ Chief Officer, Tony Wulff, said that commencement of the MRQ Act had provided support and funding for Queensland’s community disaster and emergency response, providing resources, vehicles, critical safety equipment and additional protections for volunteers.
The Act also made it possible for units from the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Service to begin transitioning into MRQ, with the first units joining the service in early July 2024.
To date, MRQ has transitioned 13 units and 530 volunteers into the service, with VMR Bowen due to join before the end of June and several more units scheduled for July and August. Positive discussions are continuing with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard to transition their members into the service in the very near future.
By the end of 2025, MRQ expects to have made significant progress with unit transitions, with the majority expected to join the service.
“We have several milestone “firsts” that we’ll be marking in the coming weeks, but today we’d like to thank all of those who have been with us on this journey – not just over the past twelve months, but during the years of consultation and preparation that led to the establishment of this service,” said Mr Wulff.
“We still have a lot of work ahead of us to build a united statewide service, but we’re committed to continuing the proud legacy of marine rescue services in Queensland and ensuring that our vital service is ready to provide assistance to anyone who needs help when they are out on the water.”
