PLANNING is in full swing for a new regional helicopter base in Port Macquarie, part of an expansion to NSW’s aeromedical network aimed at enhancing access to emergency care.
Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first of the new regional ambulance helicopter bases to be located at local airports, with Port Macquarie to follow.
Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4400 helicopter missions each year.
The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.
The bases will include:
– a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities
– mission-planning and operational workspaces
– training and staff amenities
– fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
– a dedicated road retrieval ambulance.
They form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $63.95 million investment in new regional helicopter ambulance infrastructure, increasing the statewide aeromedical network from six to nine bases.
The three new bases will join the existing NSW Ambulance aeromedical network of 13 helicopters and six bases located in Bankstown (Sydney), Wollongong, Orange, Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore and Tamworth.
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