Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Scott Morrison made a flying visit to the region on Thursday morning to inspect a new customs patrol boat.
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The minister slipped quietly into the area and departed by 10.30am, before local media was notified of his visit.
Mr Morrison was joined by Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis to inspect ACV Cape Byron at HMAS Creswell.
At 57.8 metres, ACV Cape Byron is one of the service’s largest vessels and has a range of more than 4000 nautical miles.
Manned by a crew of 18, the patrol boat is capable of sailing from Darwin to Christmas Island and back, without refuelling.
The vessel’s first official voyage was between HMAS Creswell and defence facilities in Sydney.
“The Navy, Air Force, Army, and Customs and Border Protection, all hold a special place in the history and future of the Gilmore region, especially with our two navy bases and more than 1000 local defence and contracted personnel,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
southcoastregister.com.au