Government Launches Marine Rescue QLD Training Academy at PACIFIC POINT MARINA GOLD COAST
The Queensland Government has officially opened the State’s first dedicated Marine Rescue Training Academy near Jacobs Well, strengthening support for marine rescue volunteers and enhancing maritime safety across Queensland.
The purpose-built facility will serve as the central training hub for Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), delivering consistent, high-quality training as the State transitions to a unified marine rescue service. The Academy represents a significant investment in Queensland’s emergency response capability and is the first facility in the State dedicated solely to marine rescue volunteer training.
Located on the Gold Coast, the Academy features modern training rooms, shared office facilities, a secure hardstand area for vessel maintenance and practical exercises, and marina berths for vessels ranging from 8 to 14 metres. Its strategic location provides access to varied navigational conditions, including bar crossings and buoyage systems, allowing volunteers to gain practical experience in real-world maritime environments.
The opening marks an important milestone for MRQ, established in 2024 to bring together the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland into a single, state funded organisation under the Queensland Police Service. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Academy demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting frontline volunteers and improving public safety. Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner of Disaster and Emergency Management Chris Stream said the facility would strengthen MRQ’s ability to respond to emergencies and help save lives on Queensland waters.
MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff described the Academy as a historic development that will support the organisation’s transition while ensuring volunteers receive consistent, high-quality training. He emphasised that volunteers remain the organisation’s greatest asset and play a critical role in keeping Queenslanders safe.
More than 1,000 active MRQ members currently operate from locations stretching from Currumbin to the Torres Strait. The Academy undertook its first official training event a few months ago, with 20 volunteer trainers travelling from across Queensland, including Port Douglas, to undertake advanced training and professional development.
For more information, visit Marine Rescue Queensland website www.mrq.qld.gov.au
Published in print August-December 2026
