NSW Greens Member for Ballina Tamara Smith has asked NSW Premier Mike Baird to deliver the shortfall in funding needed to start construction on a new Marine Rescue Tower.
“I had a very encouraging conversation with Premier Baird late yesterday. He is extremely sympathetic to the great work of our marine rescue and our desperate need for the new tower to be built,” Ms Smith said.
“Since being elected as the Member for Ballina I have worked with Marine Rescue and all key stakeholders on solutions to the 
Ballina Shire Council’s funding shortfall to get this vital service operating safely in new premises for the benefit of our community.”
“In response to the uncertainty around the tower’s funding I convened a meeting with all key stakeholders in August, including Marine Rescue, Ballina Shire Council and the Member for Page Kevin Hogan,” Ms Smith said.
“After years left on a lean, I refuse to see more volunteers at risk in that tower on my watch.”
“I put forward at this meeting that a staged construction process be implemented. I knew we simply couldn’t wait any longer, works had to start,” Ms Smith said.
“This week’s closure announcement has made that clearer than ever.”
The Member for Ballina has provided the Premier’s office with an official request to deliver the funds required to start construction on the new tower immediately.
Ms Smith has also hand delivered a request from Ballina Shire Council Mayor David Wright, outlining the proposal as it stands.
“The Ballina Community and our ocean users deserve this service, and our volunteers deserve a safe working environment to deliver it.”