Yamba Welding and Engineering is among several state-wide businesses benefiting from more than $10.5 million in Marine Rescue NSW contracts to build and fit-out new vessels.
On May 3, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke joined Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis during a special visit to the Clarence Valley based business and shipyard where two Marine Rescue NSW vessels worth $986000 are currently being built.
The new vessels will bring the number of Marine Rescue NSW vessels delivered by Yamba Welding and Engineering to 19.
3 have already been delivered during 2022, with another 3 to be completed by the end of the financial year.
During her visit, the Minister said construction of each vessel has been made possible by the NSW Government’s 4-year investment of $37.6 million in Marine Rescue NSW, which is supporting the ongoing replacement of ageing facilities, vessels and equipment.
The Member for Clarence agreed, adding the Marine Rescue NSW construction contracts are supporting skilled jobs and providing apprenticeships for young people throughout the local region.
“Yamba Welding and Engineering is producing state-of-the-art rescue vessels which are equal to those produced anywhere in the world, and the job and training opportunities this creates are also a vital part of the flood recovery effort,” he said.
General Manager of Yamba Welding and Engineering Jamie Howden said the business delivers a large portion of Marine Rescue NSW vessels out of Yamba, describing it as a proud contribution for the local area.
He said the acquisition of Yamba Welding and Engineering by Australian-owned The Whiskey Project Group has also enabled the business to continue to support regional jobs and to deliver state-of-the-art vessels to clients.
“The shipyard has a proud history of building first-class vessels for NSW, including for the Police Marine Area Command, DPI Fisheries, Maritime NSW and the State Emergency Service (SES),” he said.
“We have a great relationship with Marine Rescue NSW, the State Government and Transport NSW.
“The investment by Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Government has helped us to employ six apprentices, and to continue to grow our business and support jobs and the skilled industry on the North Coast.
“We provide world class products and I’m over the moon following the announcement last week as it will create more jobs and apprenticeships which will benefit our local community, which we are proud to be a part of.”
Yamba Welding and Engineering currently employs 30 Clarence Valley residents and is actively recruiting qualified welders, boat builders, sheet metal and boiler makers to join their growing and dynamic team.
For further information, please visit www.yambawelding.com.au