"The question is, why has this not been done a long time ago and in fact why was there ever a VMR formed, when some years previous, a Coast Guard was in existence in Queensland. There is history between the groups and that is ancient history and must be left in the past for the good of the boating community and both rescue groups."
The only answer to that is egos Phil. From my dealings with groups run by committees, it's hard enough to get one lot to agree internally without infighting. I have seen guys that have worked tirelessly for years for VMR / Coastgaurd organisations simply walk away from it because of it - only to watch the shit stirrers then turn around and disappear in a hurry when someone asks who is then going to pick up the slack. I give all committee run organisations a wide berth because of it. Not sure how to fix it but it sure isn't my scene. I agree it would make a lot of sense to consolidate the organisations but sorting out the controlling body will be a bun fight.