Bundaberg Airport redevelopment to save lives

More Queenslanders will receive emergency assistance in regional and remote locations in early 2020 with construction beginning on a $6 million aeromedical base and patient transfer facility at Bundaberg Airport.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, who turned the first sod on the project today, said the new facilities, to be jointly owned and operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight Australia, will be a literal life saver for people across regional Queensland.

“Once complete, these facilities, which include two hangers, a patient transfer area, three pilot rooms, three nurses stations, two ambulance bays and much more, will be equipped to respond to major medical emergencies,” Mr Pitt said.

“In particular, this will help to secure the health and safety of our regional communities during natural disasters – the devastating impact of which Queenslanders know only too well from recent experience.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $3 million investment to support two of Australia’s most-loved charities will also pay economic dividends for the Bundaberg economy.

“With up to 14 jobs to be supported during construction and a further 17 ongoing jobs created once the project is completed, this project demonstrates how investing in health infrastructure not only improves health outcomes but also promotes economic growth,” Mr McCormack said.

“An independent cost benefit analysis anticipates that the project will inject more than $100 million into the Bundaberg economy every year.”

The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government committed $3 million to the project under the Building Better Regions Fund. This is a $641 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

The Queensland Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is providing $1.5 million and LifeFlight Australia is providing $1.5 million to fund the project.