Far North Queensland volunteer organisations will share more than $2.6 million in grants announced this week by the Bligh Labor Government.

Cook MP Jason O’Brien welcomed the grants, saying volunteer organisations deserved state support for the great contributions they make to their communities.

“This ongoing funding acknowledges the work of many thousands of volunteers who selflessly devote their time to assist their local communities,” he said. “I would like to commend these volunteers for their dedication and commitment to helping the Far North] and ultimately saving lives.”

The Cooktown, Cape York and Port Douglas coastguards will get $23,000 each to help with vessel replacement and maintenance, and for training. The Port Douglas lifesavers will get $11,902 to support beach safety operations and rescue patrols.

The grants are part of the more than $7.7 million allocated by the Bligh Government in the 2009-10 Budget to Volunteer Marine Rescue, Volunteer Coast Guard, Surf Life Saving Queensland and Royal Life Saving Queensland.