LifeFlight to receive record amount of funding from Queensland Government

LifeFlight Australia has announced that the Queensland Government will be investing an additional A$586.1 million into the aeromedical service over the next decade.

This is the largest funding injection in the service’s history, giving Queenslanders certainty that LifeFlight will continue its search and rescue, and air medical services for the next 10 years.

“Our government is committed to providing free, world-class healthcare no matter where you live in Queensland,” said Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier.

The funding will contribute to upgrading aircraft and equipment, including a modern power-stretcher loading system compatible with Queensland Ambulance Service stretchers.

LifeFlight CEO, Ashley van de Velde said: “The guarantee of significant funding from the Queensland Government provides the assurance of ongoing support whilst affording us the opportunity to future proof LifeFlight so we continue to care for future generations of Queenslanders.”

The upcoming state budget allocates $18.3 million for the most significant regional infrastructure project LifeFlight has undertaken in its 44-year history, within Sunshine Coast Airport’s new Aerospace Precinct. 

“Not only will this funding ensure LifeFlight can continue to airlift some of the sickest and most vulnerable patients in their hour of need, it will also mean a newly built-for-purpose hangar can be constructed at the Sunshine Coast Airport,” said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman.

The hangar will have appropriate space and support facilities to give LifeFlight the versatility to, if operationally required, immediately house two AW139 RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters and one Challenger 604 RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Air Ambulance jet. 

LifeFlight will also expand and upgrade its highly specialised engineering facilities that service the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue fleet, with the budget allocation contributing to a new, larger hangar complex at Archerfield Airport, enabling LifeFlight Australia to double its current capacity for base maintenance activities.

“Being able to operate from these new heavy maintenance facilities, to be constructed by the Archerfield Airport Corporation, will deliver the modern and efficient maintenance operation that will be needed to support the growing demand for the aeromedical services required of LifeFlight by the government,” commented van de Velde.