Improved patient care and response capabilities for both the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) and LifeFlight is a step closer today with the first sod turned on a new $31.8 million joint facility at Mount Isa.
The new facility is funded with significant contributions from the State Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF - $10.9 million), the Australian Government (BBRF - $9.7 million) and additional funding from Queensland Airports Limited (QAL - $600,000), owner and operator of Mount Isa Airport.
The RCIF is a voluntary partnership between the State Government, Participating Mineral Industry Resources Parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members.
Once completed, the new facility will enable both the RFDS (Queensland Section) and LifeFlight to operate cohesively from the same location.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said the updated facilities will help the RFDS (Queensland Section) and LifeFlight continue their life-saving work.
“Our government has backed this project so LifeFlight and the RFDS (Queensland Section) have the facilities they need to save lives in the future,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
“This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional communities need.
“Funding projects such as this ensures our regions remains a great place to live, work and visit.”
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the new base is expected to be completed by mid-next year and will provide a significant improvement for not just patients but staff.
“The new base will have a dedicated ambulance bay, patient transfer facilities and administration space, meaning our Mount Isa team will finally be housed under the same roof,” Ms Staib said.
“With three hangars for RFDS planes and dedicated engineering space, we think this new facility will provide a significant improvement in patient care across the growing north-western region.
“I’m really looking forward to watching the new base getting built in the coming months and can’t wait to be on hand when it’s completed next year.”
LifeFlight chair Hon. Jim Elder said the Mount Isa facility would enhance the organisation’s capability to service the region where demand was increasing.
“LifeFlight has provided aeromedical care to communities around Mount Isa for 16 years and demand on our services increased by almost 20 per cent last year,” Mr Elder said.
“Once completed, the new build will provide LifeFlight with a larger hangar that will enable us to position a more capable helicopter that can go further and faster, state-of-the-art engineering and maintenance facilities, search and rescue and medical storage.
“The new helicopter and hangar facilities means LifeFlight is well equipped to meet the growing needs of Mount Isa and North West Queensland.”
Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans said the new facility would enhance health outcomes across the region.
“This development represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to connect communities and facilitate critical aeromedical health services across regional Queensland,” Ms Evans said.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this impressive facility will have on the wellbeing of our communities."
The development of the new joint RFDS (Queensland Section)/LifeFlight base will provide a vital aeromedical hub for the Mount Isa region which regularly services an area almost the size of New South Wales.
This groundbreaking ceremony was the first stage of construction which is expected to take 12 months.
