Air rescue providers in merger

AFTER years of struggling to keep a rescue helicopter in the sky in northwest Queensland, a landmark merger has secured the vital service’s future.

The RACQ NQ Rescue Helicopter will partner with CareFlight Group from July 1. The planned merger will put an end to funding woes and bring a bigger and more capable rescue helicopter to the North.

RACQ NQ Rescue chief executive Alex Dorr ( pictured) said the arrangement would provide financial stability.

“CareFlight already has a great relationship with the State Government so they are in a much better position for future funding,” he said.

“The operation will finally have its own legs without the risk of falling over every six months.”

The air rescue service previously had a fee- for- service contract with the State Government and relied on commercial sponsorship and donations. While other rescue helicopter services were awarded government funding arrangements, RACQ NQ Rescue struggled to cover annual $ 1.5 million operating costs. While donations will still be needed to keep the service running at optimum capacity, the partnership was expected to result in financial government support.

CareFlight Group chairman Rob Borbidge said the merger had the support of both parties and would become official next financial year.

“This merger means the community … can be assured critical care air medical services will continue to be provided by a rotary wing aircraft based in Mount Isa,” he said.

As part of the merger, the current rescue helicopter will be replaced with a larger and faster aircraft.

The Bell 230 helicopter can carry five people, four crew and one patient, and can fly continuously for three hours at a cruise speed of 259km/ h.

RACQ has committed to staying on as a major financial supporter.