- $6.91 million purpose-built regional facility opened today
- Base includes planning, accommodation, maintenance and training facilities
Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today officially opened the new purpose-built rescue helicopter base at Bunbury Airport, declaring it one of the most modern aircraft facilities in regional Australia.
The facility will house the State's second RAC Rescue helicopter, which has flown more than 245 missions since it commenced operations in February this year from a temporary base.
"The new facility includes modern engineering workshops, training rooms with a flight simulator, six crew dormitory rooms, wireless blood bank monitoring, and planning and operations rooms," Mr Francis said.
"This is an invaluable community asset which will save lives and improve access to emergency medical care for people living and travelling in the region."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the new base was made possible by $6.91 million in funding through the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions.
"The Government is committed to providing the highest level of care for patients who need urgent medical attention," Mr Redman said.
"Without the rapid response provided by the rescue chopper, help could be hours away for people in rural areas who are seriously ill or injured."
In addition to the $6.91 million for the Bunbury base, the Government's Royalties for Regions has invested $23.04 million over four years to fund RAC Rescue helicopter service operational costs.
The RAC Rescue helicopters respond to a range of incidents including road crashes, farming accidents and marine rescues. Both the Perth and Bunbury-based rescue helicopters are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Fact File
- The Bunbury Rescue helicopter base was designed in consultation with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, CHC Helicopters and aircraft maintenance engineers
- Since February 2016, the Bunbury-based RAC Rescue has flown more than 690 mission hours, travelled more than 65,000 kilometres and has transported 139 patients
- RAC has been the sponsor of the emergency rescue helicopter service since it began operations in 2003
- Find out more about Royalties for Regions at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au
Emergency Services Minister's office - 6552 6500
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
