RFDS to open new base in Tasmania in 2027

The work is being funded through a donation of A$15 million from the Australian federal government, as well as a further A$6 million from the Tasmanian government.

The base, due to open in 2027, is intended to boost RFDS’s capacity for both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft in the region, as well as expand its capacity to deliver ground vehicle transfers.

It will also house staff and equipment for other emergency providers, such as Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Police, and various other fixed-wing air medical providers – including ‘surge’ capacity in the event of epidemics or bushfires in the area.

Additionally, the base will allow RFDS to increase its outreach support in Tasmania, offering mobile mental health, dental, and general practitioner services across the state.

“Your postcode shouldn’t impact the quality of your healthcare, which is why we’re partnering with the RFDS to improve and expand their services across regional Australia – with this project to ensure Tasmanians can continue to access support when they need it,” said Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government.

Brian Mitchell, Federal Member of Parliament for Lyons, added: “While the RFDS’s current home in Tasmania has served the community for 20 years, our government is getting on with updating the site [to] ensure it continues to provide the service Tasmania needs and deserves.”

PHI Aviation recently added two Airbus H175s to its Australian fleet.