The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) has welcomed the Federal Government's latest round of funding to upgrade crucial, remote airstrips throughout Australia.
Of the $11.8 million in funds committed nationally under the fourth round of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme, Queensland will receive almost $6.5 million towards 19 airstrip infrastructure projects around the state.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chairman, Mark Gray said the funding would ensure the continued, safe delivery of world-class, 24/7 aeromedical retrieval and clinical services to people living, working and travelling in rural and remote Queensland.
"This announcement from the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, will ensure vital infrastructure such as airport lighting, resealing of runways, and upgrades to approach technologies will be secured for these airstrips we so heavily rely upon," Mr Gray said.
"We would like to thank the Minister for his continued commitment to the people we serve around the clock, every day of the year," Mr Gray said.
Shane Lawrey, Head of Flying Operations (Queensland Section) said it was a step forward in ensuring safe access to remote communities.
"The safety of our crew and patients is paramount to ensuring we can continue to deliver our world-renowned service to the people and communities, all the way from Birdsville to Cape York," Mr Lawrey said.
Each year, the Flying Doctor in Queensland helps over 95,000 people, flying more than 7.75 million kilometres. That is equivalent to 193 round-the-world trips.
