August 16, 2023
South Burnett ratepayers have contributed more than $736,614 to LifeFlight over the past 13 years.
The money has come from the annual Community Rescue and Evacuation special charge introduced by the South Burnett Regional Council in 2010.
The 13-year total was announced on Wednesday.
“LifeFlight provide a vital service and many residents can be thankful for their swift transfer to a major hospital in the case of an emergency,” a Council spokesperson said.
In the past 13 years, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue has provided more than 2349 free flights for South Burnett residents at an estimated cost of $25,000 per flight.
The Community Rescue and Evacuation special charge aims to assist services that rely heavily on donations to continue operation, and the $5 annual levy appears on all rate assessments.
“In Council’s opinion, it is more appropriate to raise funds by a separate charge rather than from general funds to ensure the community is aware of Council’s ongoing support for this vital community service,” the spokesperson said.
“It also considers that the benefit is shared equally by all rateable parcels of land, regardless of their value.”
