PONTOON extensions at Weinam Creek have enabled Redland Bay Coast Guard to dispatch rescue boats quicker.
The $60,000 upgrades were finished last month but the pontoon’s official opening on Saturday, March 24 was celebrated alongside the base’s radio room upgrades.
Coast Guard volunteer Keith Neven said ergonomic furniture was installed in the room to ensure operators did not risk back strains during their 11 hour shifts.
More radio equipment will also be purchased thanks to $3000 given to the group by Redland City mayor Karen Williams at the opening.
Mr Neven said new radio gear would help the group tap into another channel for clearer communication between the base and rescue boats.
He said other frequencies could sometimes become clogged by users, which stopped talk between the group’s members.
The pontoon’s extension secured more than $20,000 in federal funding about two years ago via Bowman MP Andrew Laming’s Shark Tank grants initiative.
The remainder of the cost was taken from money raised by Coast Guard.
The lengthened pontoon has space for Redland Bay Coast Guard’s three boats, which means ramp launches are no longer required.
Mr Laming helped to cut the pontoon’s ribbon during the ceremony.
Other special guests included marine rescue volunteers, personnel from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police and Redlands MP Kim Richards, who delivered a speech praising the group.
