First line of response boosted at Brisbane port

26 April 2007

Issued by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads.

Day-to-day security patrols and emergency first response have been bolstered at Australia’s fastest growing container port.

A new, high-performance patrol vessel was launched today by Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas at the Port of Brisbane.

Mr Lucas said the $150,000 PortWatch 2 will boost surveillance and patrolling capabilities at the port which was visited by over 2,600 ships last financial year.

“The new vessel will go a long way in helping protect trade and critical infrastructure as well as the hundreds of people who work at the port.”

“It’s been specially built for day-to-day patrol work but is versatile enough to be used for first-response to security and emergency situations – like an oil spill,” he said.

“It will be a visible security presence on the water and can assist the Brisbane Water Police in search and rescues, marine pollution and maritime safety matters.”

PortWatch 2 joins sister vessel, PortWatch 1, but boasts higher speeds and better handling.

“It will patrol port waters from Caloundra to the southern tip of Moreton Island, as well as 15km up the Brisbane River to Breakfast Creek,” Mr Lucas said.

“The 6m inflatable can travel at speeds up to 45 knots which will mean a faster response along Brisbane’s 90km shipping channel.”

The PortWatch 2 was built by local boat builders in Tingalpa, Woody Marine.

Mr Lucas said the PortWatch 2 will add to the already strong security culture at the port.

“Already the port has numerous cameras in place but this extra vessel will further boost security and emergency response at the Port of Brisbane.”

Mr Lucas said a close relationship has also been formed between the port and the Brisbane Water Police who will service the new vessels outboards and provide driver training for staff.

PortWatch 2 on the water.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Paul Lucas MP, handing the keys to Port of Brisbane Corporation Port Security Control Centre Operator, Robert Kozien, and Port of Brisbane Corporation Chairman, David Harrison.