An LNP Government will provide a $50,000 grant to the Tully Coast Guard through its Supporting Our Emergency Volunteers initiative, to assist with the cost of upgrading equipment.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said the Tully Coast Guard faced costs to relocate its radio equipment on top of Mount Mackay as a result of on-site works undertaken by Ergon Energy.

Mr Cripps said he had followed the issue closely and made representations on behalf of the Tully Coast Guard on several occasions, including tabling a petition in the Queensland Parliament.

“The saga involving Ergon Energy wanting to charge the Tully Coast Guard enormous fees to co-locate its radio equipment on top of Mount Mackay is unfortunately, far from over” said Mr Cripps.

“One Labor Minister has visited the site and another issued a statement to the media saying that it was all sorted, but that is not accurate and future arrangements are anything but settled” he said.

“Unfortunately, the Tully Coast Guard faces some costs associated with its radio equipment on Mount Mackay as a result of Ergon’s decision and I don’t want the volunteers to be out of pocket”.

“If the LNP is successful at the coming election, we will provide the Tully Coast Guard with a grant for $50,000 to cover the cost of any works associated with its radio equipment on Mount Mackay”.

LNP Hill candidate, Mario Quagliata, said the Supporting Our Emergency Volunteers program was designed to assist organisations like the Tully Coast Guard with the cost of equipment.

“The Tully Coast Guard provides emergency maritime communications for a distance of up to 80 nautical miles and is an essential service for recreational and commercial boaties in the region”.

“The issue of the radio installation not operating has been a serious problem for almost 12 months – the ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude of Ergon Energy has been absolutely disgraceful”.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has really let the volunteers at the Tully Coast Guard down by promising a lot and delivering nothing, but Andrew and I won’t let this issue be ignored”.

“The LNP will provide this grant to the Tully Coast Guard to help restore this vital marine safety communication network, so the volunteers aren’t disadvantaged by Ergon Energy’s decisions”.

Mr Cripps said the grant to the Tully Coast Guard would be provided in addition to the LNPs $1.23 million commitment for Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard squadrons across Queensland.