For 50 years VicTrack community tenant, the Queenscliff Volunteer Coast Guard has watched over the notoriously dangerous waters of Bass Strait, rescuing thousands of stricken boaties and saving vessels valued in the millions.
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association is a national body dedicated to safety at sea. The Queenscliff Flotilla, one of 17 Coast Guard units around Victoria, was founded in 1976 and is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Coast Guard has leased land from VicTrack under the community lease program since 1988.
“The location of this site is very strategic being located adjacent to the boat ramp it allows immediate on water access when an urgent response is required,” explained John McMillan – a rescue crew member, a CFA member and part of the Flotilla Executive Group.
“Boaties know that if they get into trouble Coast Guard volunteers will respond day or night in any conditions to assist them in their time of difficulty.”
“Over the years we have enjoyed a close and supportive relationship with VicTrack.
“They’ve helped us out with the granting of permits for on-site building works and providing some financial support through grants, most recently through the Community Grant Program that helped us install a public access AED.”
Pursuing its mission of ‘Safety by all means’ the Coast Guard provides education and training aimed at keeping people safe on the water and a 24/7/365 rescue service. The group also acts as a CFA Brigade with responsibility for fires on the water and in marinas.
Coast Guard members respond at all times of the day and night, often in rough and dangerous seas, to come to the rescue those in trouble.
“Coast Guard Queenscliff is a particularly busy flotilla responding to an average 90 rescue missions each year,” John said.
“Working under the control of Victoria Water Police, our area of operation is extensive, covering the southern part of Port Phillip and the coastal waters of Bass Strait from Cape Schank to Cape Otway and 30 nautical miles to sea.
“Significantly, our area includes the treacherous waters around Port Phillip Heads and the notorious Rip.”
Those treacherous waters have seen many calls on the help of Coast Guard volunteers. Between 1977 and early 2025, they completed 2,378 rescues, returned 6,036 people to safety and saved vessels estimated to value $70.2 million.
“We provide a level of assurance to those who venture on the water,” John said.
“This is particularly important given our proximity to the dangerous waters of The Rip and Bass Strait.
“Boaties know that if they get into trouble Coast Guard volunteers will respond day or night in any conditions to assist them in their time of difficulty.”
About VicTrack’s community lease program
VicTrack’s community lease program makes underused land and buildings available to community organisations at an affordable rent. Community leases support a range of groups and activities including public open spaces, art galleries, museums, libraries, tourist and heritage railways, creative spaces, and community hubs. There are more than 400 community leases in the portfolio.
