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New $3.8 million Marine Rescue NSW base opens at Middle Harbour.

Published On: May 2, 2024

The new building at The Spit. Image: Marine Rescue NSW.

By ANNA USHER

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has officially opened the new Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit, one of the busiest boating areas in the state.

The new $3.8 million building, funded by the NSW Government, provides easy access to the unit’s two vessels to support the search and rescue missions of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.

The pristine waters of Sydney and surrounds are enjoyed by Sydneysiders year-round, making Middle Harbour a fixture in the top 10 busiest Marine Rescue NSW bases in the state.

Middle Harbour is one of the busiest rescue bases in NSW. Image: Supplied.

Situated next to the Spit Bridge in Mosman, the new base mirrors its surroundings with a design inspired by the contours of a ship and a colour scheme replicating the water, sky and nearby bushland.

The Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base was built by Sydney based Farindon Constructions and designed by Mona Vale’s Centric Architects, who envisioned the front of the building to represent the bow of a boat as it cuts through the water.

Spanning 350 square metres, the single-storey structure includes crew readiness facilities, radio, training and meeting rooms, offices and a kitchen/dining area.

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base opening – Commissioner Barrell. Image: Marine Rescue NSW.

Minister Dib said Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of the state’s waterways.

“They play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our waterways safe.

“Our beautiful waterways are busy year-round, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the facilities and equipment it needs to carry out its important role.

“This investment is recognition of the volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives,” Minister Dib said.

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base opening – Minister Dib, Unit Commander Steigrad and Commissioner Barrell.

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Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell thanked the NSW Government for its support in realising the new base.

“This state-of-the-art building significantly enhances our rescue capability around Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour, and ensures the 89 volunteers at the unit have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management.

“Middle Harbour and surrounding waterways are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and this new facility will help ensure our volunteers are rescue ready when emergencies arise.

“Volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour completed 193 search and rescue missions last year, safely returning 555 people to shore,” Commissioner Barrell said.

The single storey structure spans 350 square metres. Image: Marine rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Unit Commander Peter Steigrad said the new base provides a major boost to Sydney’s boating community.

“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses.

“It serves not only as a hub for emergency responses but also as a training base for volunteer crews to ensure they are rescue ready,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.