(Photo: Qld Govt)
The RACQ CareFlight helicopter rescue service has been given an early Christmas present with the announcement today of $200 million in funding over the next 10 years.
A new long-term funding agreement has been signed between the State’s three major helicopter rescue services and the State Government which aims to secure their future for the next 10 years.
As well as the $200 million for CareFlight, $50 million will also be allocated to both CQ Rescue, which services the Mackay, Bowen Basin and Whitsunday regions, and RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue, which services Rockhampton and Central Queensland.
Included in the total $300 million package is an initial $3 million boost which RACQ CareFlight has announced they will put towards the purchase of two new helicopters.
Premier Campbell Newman said the 10-year funding deal would ensure that sick children and their families receive lifesaving medical air transport whether they were holidaying off the coast of Mackay or hiking in the Gold Coast hinterland.
RACQ CareFlight Queensland Chairman Rob Borbidge said CareFlight welcomed the new agreement as one of the most significant funding deals in the group’s 30-year history.
“The Newman Government has provided CareFlight with certainty over the next decade, enabling the service to continue to meet community expectations and needs and to commence a fleet renewal strategy that will see ageing aircraft replaced,” Mr Borbidge said.
“As a community provider, CareFlight has relied on a successful model of community and Government support, combined with incredible support from corporate sponsors.
“Without any of these key stakeholders, CareFlight would not be able to provide our lifesaving service to the community.”
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said that Queenslanders from the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast now had long-term access to emergency helicopter services.
“Community helicopter providers will, for the next decade, be able to work with our government air emergency helicopters to secure a safe future for Queenslanders,” he said.
“Our commitment to helicopter services means that whether you require help on Horn Island or in the Gold Coast hinterland, we are there to assist.”
Typical political pre election stunt and using the “sick children” example was probably inappropriate as it was said a few days after the Ruby Chen inquest findings