Coastal Grant Helping To Keep Sea Rescue Trust Afloat

11 December 2007

A coastal grant is helping the Hibiscus Sea Rescue Trust save lives this summer.

In the July funding round, The Hibiscus Sea Rescue Trust (HSRT) received a $20,000 grant to help pay for one of two Yamaha 150 hp motors for their rescue boat, Hibiscus Rescue ONE, operated by Coastguard Hibiscus.

“The money was the difference between having an operational boat and just tying it up,” says HSRT administrator Les Sharman.

Based at Gulf Harbour, Hibiscus Rescue ONE provides a 24/7 search and rescue service on behalf of Coastguard Northern Region. For equipment upgrades and operational costs HSRT relies on grants from charitable gaming trusts and service clubs.

Each year ARC's Coastal Funding Sub-Committee gives coastal grants to projects that environmentally enhance the environment of the Coastal Marine Area (CMA), improve safety and navigation, and/or add value to public works and infrastructure within the CMA. The grants are funded from seabed licence fees collected by the ARC.

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) in the past 12 months has awarded from its coastal fund $420,000 to 23 coastal enhancement projects in the Auckland region.

Mr Sharman says the new engines will also help with HSRT’s other work – which includes helping WaterCare to carry out routine water quality tests and shellfish sampling. The Coastguard Hibiscus personnel also carry out water safety and seamanship education and training in the local Rodney community.

The ARC Coastal Funding Sub Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says the ARC is pleased to be able to assist other organisations with worthwhile projects that improve the region’s access and enjoyment of the CMA.

“We are thrilled that we were able to help the HSRT because they provide such an essential service,” she says.

ENDS

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