Lifesaving boost for Marine Rescue NSW Headquarters upgrade
The Minns Labor Government today announced close to $1 million in funding to upgrade Marine Rescue NSW’s headquarters as part of the Government’s commitment to building better communities and keeping people safe on the water.
This important investment will enhance the organisation’s capacity to deliver faster, more effective rescue services and provide critical support to mariners in distress in NSW waters.
Marine Rescue NSW is the state’s only not-for-profit, 24/7 vessel monitoring service, providing essential search and rescue operations for more than two million people who enjoy boating and water activities each year.
Last boating season (October 2024 – April 2025) alone, Marine Rescue carried out 3,246 rescues that saw 7,687 people returned safely to shore. One marathon mission performed by Marine Rescue Eden took over 21 hours to complete.
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will bring Building 16, the heart of Marine Rescue NSW’s operations back to life.
Currently uninhabitable, the building will undergo a full refurbishment, including new roofing, walls, and ceilings, along with fresh paint, upgraded flooring, and modern kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Once complete, Building 16 will become a vibrant multi-purpose Emergency Services hub, providing space for training, education, professional development, meetings, workshops, and the storage of vital rescue equipment helping Marine Rescue NSW continue its lifesaving work and building better communities across the state.
Crucially, this will help better prepare the organisation’s team of over 3,500 highly skilled volunteers.
This project supports Marine Rescue's vision to rejuvenate the Hungry Point base and establish modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will support increased integration and cooperation between emergency service organisations.
Upgrades will also complement the NSW Government-funded Hungry Point community cliff top walk, which is nearing completion.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers go out on the water in unpredictable conditions and put themselves in harm's way so that others can be safely returned to shore.
“Building 16 will become a hub for training, coordination and collaboration between Marine Rescue NSW and other emergency services, strengthening our state’s emergency response capability.
“This investment is about giving Marine Rescue crews the facilities and tools they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of our waterways, keeping people safe at all hours.
“This investment will revitalise the Marine Rescue NSW headquarters, strengthening emergency response capabilities and creating a modern space for training, collaboration and community connection at the heart of Hungry Point.
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to support the volunteers and professionals who keep our waterways safe and our communities strong, as we continue to focus on building better communities across NSW.”
Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews said:
“We are grateful for the funding support provided by the NSW Government to ensure fit-for-purpose facilities for Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff.
“This refurbishment will breathe new life into the building, transforming it into a versatile, multi-purpose facility that can be used for a range of purposes, including training and professional development for the state’s emergency services.
“The project will also complement other NSW Government projects at Hungry Point Reserve, including the clifftop walk.”