General News
14 November, 2026
Marine rescue changes
A MAJOR change is on the horizon for volunteer marine rescue services across the Cassowary Coast, with the Innisfail, Tully and Cardwell Coast Guard flotillas set to become part of Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) by early December.
While the uniforms, vessel colours and branding may change, local volunteers say the commitment to keeping boaties safe will remain the same.
The transition follows the establishment of Marine Rescue Queensland on 1 July 2024, a recommendation stemming from the Queensland Government’s Blue Water Review. Initially operating under Queensland Fire and Rescue, MRQ is now part of the Queensland Police Service, which oversees land, air and sea search and rescue operations across the state.
QF15 Innisfail Flotilla Commander Don Alexander said the transition marked an exciting new chapter for marine rescue volunteers across the region.
“While we will become Marine Rescue Queensland under the Queensland Police Service, our role will not change and we will not be policing the boating public,” he said.
“We will still be the same volunteers providing the same services to the boating fraternity along the Cassowary Coast. The difference is that we will now have the backing of a state-wide organisation and government funding to support our operations.”
The three flotillas at Cardwell, Tully and Innisfail are currently progressing through the transition process and are expected to be fully integrated into MRQ by early December.
Once transitioned, the flotillas will become MRQ units. While their Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) call signs will remain – VMR423 Cardwell, VMR412 Tully and VMR415 Innisfail, day-to-day radio communications will use names such as MRQ Cardwell, MRQ Tully and MRQ Innisfail Rescue.
One of the most significant benefits for recreational boaties will be the removal of rescue and vessel assistance charges.
“The major change for the boating community is that all search and rescue and vessel assistance services will be provided free-of-charge,” Mr Alexander said.
Current members of the Marine Assist Club will no longer pay membership fees, with those costs to be covered through government operational funding. The introduction of a mobile phone application is also expected to make logging trips on and off far easier for boaties.
Despite increased government support, volunteers will continue fundraising to ensure local units remain fully equipped and rescue ready. To support those efforts, the Cassowary Coast Marine Supporters Association (CCMSA) has been established as a registered not-for-profit organisation covering the Cardwell, Tully and Innisfail units.
“We are entering a new era, but our focus of serving and protecting our local boating community remains the same,” Mr Alexander said.
Read More: Cassowary Coast