Camera concerns

A PROMISE by the Liberal Party to provide $250,000 annually to the Australian Aerial Patrol to retain its Forward Looking Infra Red camera (FLIR) has been labelled a "non-core" promise by Member for Kiama Matt Brown.

The FLIR thermal imaging system is a vital piece of equipment for the patrol and is used in searching for small boats or people in the water at night.

The Federal Government previously provided the funds.

If the patrol is not funded soon, the FLIR camera could be placed on a rescue helicopter, which is limited in range and flying time.

"The area between Shoalhaven and Newcastle is the most populated waterway in the most populous State," Aerial Patrol CEO Harry Mitchell said.

He said that, if the camera was taken from the patrol and an emergency arose that required an extended search, aircraft would have to come from either Brisbane or Melbourne.

Liberal candidate for Kiama Ann Sudmalis said she could see more value in $250,000 for the Aerial Patrol then a relatively similar amount obtained by Mr Brown to repaint Kiama Lighthouse.

"It's far better to have this thing (than a lighthouse painted)," she said.

"Yes, we do need to have the lighthouse fixed up, but I believe the priority is in this piece of equipment.

"This will save lives."

But Mr Brown said the Liberal Party's announcement was "the Liberals again promising everything to everyone".

"It just another promise in addition to the $28 billion in promises they've made to date.

"I certainly won't be making policy on the run, but I give my strong support to marine rescue, as I have been in the past eight years since I was elected.

I will continually fight for funds to make sure that our rescue services are well provided for."

Mr Mitchell, meanwhile, fears for the future of the search and rescue service.

He said planes from Brisbane or Melbourne could take up to two hours to arrive on our coastline, whereas the aerial patrol could be in the air in 30 minutes.

"The proper solution requires merely sensible co-operation between the two governments," he said.

"After all, the bottom line is our collective responsibility to public safety in what are regarded the most populated waterways in the nation.

"It would indeed be unfortunate if these considerations ever form the basis of a coronial inquiry should a tragedy occur in waters of the Greater Sydney Basin.

"But my conscience is clear. I have lobbied as hard as I can."

Mr Brown said his conscience, too, was clear.

"My conscience will be the same," he said.

"This matter does not have to be decided today. Harry Mitchell wants funding for his private business enterprise, he's got every right to do it, and I think his service is doing quite well.

"You've got to work out how you can get the best bang for you taxpayer buck.