Rescue choppers receive $288m
The state government will invest $288m towards emergency helicopter services to ensure greater access to aeromedical emergency healthcare in the remote areas of the Torres Strait and Northern Cape York Peninsula.
Two multi-mission Leonardo AW139 helicopters with increased speed, range and operational capability are expected to replace the two Bell 412 helicopters currently servicing the region, and will be operational by the second half of next year.
The contract for the project has been awarded to the Babcock group, which already has a 15-year relationship with the Queensland Government.
Operating from Horn Island, Babcock will supply pilots, aircrew and aircraft engineers and provide 24/7 services across the region including aeromedical retrieval and search and rescue.
The aircraft will also support other government departments including the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police Service.
Babcock’s managing director of aviation and critical services Peter Newington said the company’s 27 years of experience in the region meant its staff had an understanding of its challenging environment and ever-changing weather conditions.
“We will be taking a more strategic and targeted approach to deliver opportunities for local business growth, support for the local Indigenous and Torres Strait community with initiatives including traineeships, and positive outcomes for Queensland and its residents,” Mr Newington said.
Queensland Ambulance Service and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service will be providing 24-hour coverage of a doctor and paramedic dedicated to the aircraft.
Executive director of retrieval services Queensland, QAS, Dr Mark Elcock said this announcement elevated the helicopter emergency services in the region to the same level as that provided in the metros.
“Helicopters are the most effective and efficient aeromedical transport option for this unique region,” Dr Elcock said.
“The cabin will be modified with the latest aeromedical configuration including rollon-roll-off power stretchers as used by Queensland Ambulance Service for increased ease of access and improved patient care and comfort.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui highlighted how along with the acquisition of emergency choppers, facilities in Horn Island would also undergo an upgrade, attracting more health workers to regional areas.
“This means more jobs and opportunities for local Queenslanders throughout construction and once the base is open next year,” she said.
“It will also allow greater support capabilities to nearby health facilities such as Bamaga and Weipa as well as support for triple-0 responses in the Northern Cape.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said there would great improvement in operational response times.
Local artists have been engaged to design artwork for the helicopters to represent the communities they will serve.