$15 million injection for new aeromedical jobs in Bundaberg

Hundreds of emergency health care professionals, pilots and aviation engineers will be trained in Bundaberg each year thanks to a $15 million investment from the Liberal Nationals Government.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack joined Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt in Bundaberg today to announce funding to build a new Royal Flying Doctor Service Aeromedical Training Centre.

“This will be a world class facility with a CASA certified flight simulator, located near the Bundaberg Regional Airport, which will host professional development and competency certification for health staff, pilots, and engineers working with the RFDS and others,” Mr Pitt said.

“Around 30 construction jobs will be created and about 10 new ongoing positions with RFDS. In addition to this, the people coming here to train will bring a boost to the local economy as they’ll need to sleep, eat and shop while they’re here.

“As part of the $172.9 million Hinkler Regional Deal this new facility is fully funded in the Budget,” Mr Pitt said.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the new training hub in Bundaberg would open up domestic and international aeromedical training export markets, and create direct and flow on jobs for the Hinkler electorate.

“It will be a boon for jobs in Bundaberg and across the Hinkler electorate, and give local people new medical and aviation career opportunities,” Mr McCormack said.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section Chairman Mark Gray said today’s Liberal National Party commitment allows RFDS to enhance the training and development of our health and aviation workforce.

“It also allows us to expand our service and employment in Bundaberg. We employ around 400 Queenslanders, many in regional centres. Our current Bundaberg staff team of 20 will grow, thanks to the efforts of Keith Pitt to secure this funding.”

The RDFS will also contribute project funding to the Bundaberg facility which will be networked to the RFDS aeromedical training hub under development in Dubbo. The Bundaberg training centre is expected to be operational by 2021 subject to required approvals.