Western Australia announces new emergency aviation headquarters

The government of the state of Western Australia (WA) has announced plans to construct a purpose-built headquarters for its emergency aviation services.

The base, which is due to open in September 2027, is set to begin construction in the near future at Jandakot Airport.

The facility will replace separate sites for the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) Aviation Services, which include the state’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service.

The WA government has committed a sum of A$12.5 million (US$ 8.83 million) to support the establishment of the new headquarters.

The facility is expected to improve operational efficiency for all of the state’s aerial assets and personnel, as well as support the growth of DFES’s aviation programs.

The site will encompass over 8,100m², and will include four hangars, office accommodation, training simulators, training rooms, amenities, and crew rest areas.

“In such a vast state, aircraft have become a critical asset for emergency services in their response to a range of incidents, including fighting bushfires and performing rescues,” said Paul Papalia, Emergency Services Minister for WA. “This is a significant investment in Western Australia’s emergency services aviation strategies as the new facility will be able to adapt and adjust to advances and additions to the aerial fleet.”

Darren Klemm, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner at DFES, added: “There are more than 40 specialized aircraft in the state’s aerial fleet, including 38 in the aerial firefighting fleet and three RAC Rescue helicopters. Their management, including maintenance for some assets, will be considerably more efficient from the new, consolidated Jandakot complex.”

DFES was the subject of AirMed&Rescue’s April 2022 Provider Profile.