Port Stephens Marine Rescue Seeks Funds to Build Sustainable Pontoon Nelson Bay (Tomaree Peninsula areas) Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 24, 2018January 24, 2018 Scot MacDonald MLC and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast with Marine Rescue’s Tony O’Donnell, Operations Officer, Tim Boyle (project manager), and Ian Peacock (project engineer). IN a bid to improve response times and create a better work environment for volunteers, Marine Rescue is seeking funds to build a pontoon for their vessels at Nelson Bay Marina. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Marine Rescue is seeking donations and funding for the multipurpose pontoon. Once completed, the pontoon will be used to store equipment and documentation, conduct briefings and debriefings even in adverse weather. Marine Rescue has met with Scot MacDonald MLC and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast. Tony O’Donnell Marine Rescues Operations Manager told News Of The Area, “The project is to supply and install a Multipurpose floating facility at the Rescue Boat dock in Nelson Bay.” The proposal for the pontoon construction will enable Marine Rescue to not only improve rescue vessel response time when lives are at risk, but enhance Marine Rescue’s ability to manage their commercially registered vessels. “We will be able to stow essential safety equipment close to the vessels where it is needed and improve the OH&S conditions for our boat crews, most of whom are retired volunteers.” The design of the pontoon is progressive and will have zero carbon emissions when operating. “The key issue that Marine Rescue Port Stephens faces is a shortfall in funding for the project,” he said. While government funding is being sought to add to donations already in place for the project, members of the community are also able to donate towards the pontoon. If you have ever been rescued or received assistance from the team at Marine Rescue, or may be in a situation where you or a loved one may need their help at sometime in the future, perhaps now is the time to donate to help those who help everyone in need on our waterways, no matter the weather. By Marian SAMPSON
