According to Marine Rescue NSW Forster Tuncurry Unit Commander Dennis Travers the extra contribution of $7.50 from individual licences and registrations will cover about half the unit’s yearly running costs which he estimates at about $100,000 a year.

So with a more realistic fundraising target of $50,000 local Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will still be out and about looking for support.

“It will take some of the pressure off. Previously we’ve tried to have one big event but now we might be able to concentrate on just a few smaller functions.”

Minister for Ports and Waterways, Paul McLeay was pleased to see the boating community get behind the initiative with 2150 responses to a discussion paper proposal with 79 per cent supporting the contribution.

Despite these figures Mr Travers says local boaters had expressed some reservations about the proposal.

“Some were against it because they thought it might go the way a lot of other levies have on roads and cars with the government saying the money will go towards certain projects but it never does.”

Concern has also been expressed to Mr Travers that money fundraised locally will not be used specifically for the Forster Tuncurry unit.

“Some are worried it will go through to headquarters.”

But at a recent conference Mr Travers was reassured that funds raised locally, both from the levy and from fundraising events will stay in the twin towns.

“I have been assured this is the case and this has been pushed from day one (since Forster Tuncurry Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol came under the Marine Rescue NSW banner in July last year).”

The Marine Rescue NSW funding contribution will start from September and is set at $7.50 for both boat licences and registrations, or $3 for concession holders.

The contribution will see the annual boat drivers licence go from $43 to $50.50 and an increase to annual registration fees on a typical 5.5 metre runabout increase from $92 to $99.50.

Minister McLeay says boater numbers are expected to double to around 900,000 in 25 years.

“This additional funding is a positive step in securing the organisation’s future and ensuring they continue to keep our coastal waters safe.”