Marine Rescue Newcastle will move into a new headquarters at Stockton foreshore, five years after a super storm wiped-out the unit's former home.
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A Crown Land parcel of land, managed by the City of Newcastle, will be the service's new base under a peppercorn lease pending council approval.
Marine Rescue will build a new command post just a few metres from South Stockton boat ramp. It is estimated the project will cost about $1 million.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the unit's members were thrilled with their new base.
"This is very welcome news, coming just weeks after the delivery of the unit's new $535,000 rescue vessel," she said.
The base will feature the latest marine radio communications technology and equipment.
Locating the unit's new rescue vessel front of the base will also improve crews' response times.
"This great new asset is only possible thanks to City of Newcastle's cooperation in providing a long-term lease over this valuable site and the State Government's investment of $37.6 million to provide new and upgraded facilities and rescue boats for our volunteers," Ms Tannos said.
The 700 square metre headquarters will be funded by the State Government and maintained by Marine Rescue Newcastle for the duration of its 21-year lease.
"We are delighted to have found a suitable long-term home for Marine Rescue after working closely with them to find temporary bases since their former site at Shepherds Hill was severely damaged by a super storm in 2015," Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"This new site on the edge of the Hunter River at the end of King Street gives the volunteers immediate access to the Hunter River to continue keeping Newcastle's boating community safe both inside and outside the harbour."
Meanwhile, the restoration of the 1890s-built Shepherds Hill Cottage, which sits at the top of King Edward Park on the Bathers Way walk, will be completed over the next few months, ahead of an expression of interest process to identify potential operators.
Internal fit out and construction of new outdoor toilets, a storeroom, driveway and parking area will proceed following a $285,000 allocation in the 2020/21 council budget.
"Following approval from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, we will complete our plans to open this incredible, historic site for public use," Cr Nelmes said said.
"A heritage architect will oversee all work on the 182 square metre building, which boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean."
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
