Construction of new purpose-built fisheries patrol vessels begins

Construction of an $11 million, 21-metre vessel and 5.4-metre tender vessel is underway to enhance services provided by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol along Queensland’s northern coastline and the Torres Strait and Gulf of Carpentaria. 

Once complete, the new vessel will provide the ability for extended offshore patrols, focused on fisheries surveillance and inspections, ensuring compliance with fisheries and marine safety rules and regulations. 

Brisbane-based boat builder Norman R. Wright & Sons will construct the vessel with fit for purpose navigation and communications technology, improved stability and manoeuvrability, a longer fuel range and enhanced onboard accommodation to support patrols of up to 10 days.   

Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said the investment would strengthen Queensland’s ability to protect fisheries, resources and marine environments. 

“Queensland’s fisheries support regional communities, recreational fishers, commercial operators and tourism businesses, and protecting those resources requires a strong compliance presence on the water,” Minister Perrett said.  

“This new vessel will provide Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers with the capability to undertake longer offshore patrols, respond to compliance issues and support multi-agency enforcement activities across some of Queensland’s most important and remote marine environments. 

“I’m also incredibly pleased that the contract for this vessel’s construction has been awarded to a 115-year-old Queensland family business, extending the impact of the project beyond fisheries and into our local manufacturing industry and jobs.” 

Member for Cook, David Kempton said recent incursions of brazen and illegal foreign fishing vessels and crew have highlighted why this investment matters to the community.  

“The waters off Cape York, the Torres Strait and Gulf of Carpentaria are vast, remote and challenging, but this investment will deliver better protections for far north Queensland coastal and island communities,” Mr Kempton said. 

“For people in the north, our waterways are part of everyday life, they support livelihoods, put food on the table and connect communities so protecting these fisheries for future generations matters. 

“To have a vessel that’s purpose built for northern conditions, will make a tremendous difference to the officers patrolling and the community they serve, and I look forward to seeing it on the water,” he said.