New South Wales gets new helicopter base

Australia’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has been given AU$2.3 million by the New South Wales (NSW) government for a new aeromedical base in Belmont. The base will cost $5.5 million, with the Service providing the remaining $3.2 million.

The new base will be a key emergency facility and provide an ‘invaluable contribution’ to the area, according to NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes. There will be maintenance and training facilities at the base, along with accommodation for pilots, crews, doctors and ambulance staff.

“This will be the primary Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service base for northern NSW, and will provide a vital service to the entire region,” Parliamentary Secretary Scot MacDonald said. “This new facility will be vital in helping the rescue helicopter service meet increased demand from the region’s growing population.”

It is expected that the base will open and be operational by March 2017.