New vehicle a boost for Marine Rescue’s Moama unit

NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton checked out the new vehicle during a recent visit to Moama.

“The arrival of this vehicle is great news and even though we hope to never have to use this service, it is comforting to know it is well-equipped for emergencies,” Mrs Dalton said.

“Here in Murray we’re surrounded by rivers and waterways, and it is essential to have a well-resourced emergency service.”

Marine Rescue NSW Moama Unit Commander Luke Sharrock said the vehicle would be used to tow the unit’s primary response vessel, Moama 20.

“Having the second vehicle means we’ll be able to respond to callouts with two vessels,” he said.

“The arrival of the vehicle provides a significant increase to the ability of the unit to respond to incidents in Moama and further afield.

“It will also enable the unit to more quickly and safely transport our primary rescue vessel to the scene of remote incidents.

“We’ve been tasked to incidents all the way along in areas such as Moulamein, Balranald and Euston ... we’ve got a wide area to cover.”

Mrs Dalton said Marine Rescue’s Moama Unit consisted of volunteers and provided significant on-water support to the NSW State Emergency Service’s flood response.

“Marine Rescue Moama met the criteria for the Community Building Partnerships grant and are an important volunteer organisation within the community landscape,” Mrs Dalton said.

“Thank god for these volunteers ... you have done an amazing job.”