LifeFlight is in the early stages of exploring the possibility of strategically locating fuel pods around its Maranoa base to extend the range of its aeromedical retrieval service.
Chairman Rob Borbidge said that while the concept was still on the drawing board, the goal was to create a network that would enhance the LifeFlight Rescue helicopter's ability to respond to those in need in the furthest reaches of the Maranoa region.
"Increasingly our Roma aircraft is being used for rescues and medevacs out of Carnavon, so we're looking at strategic locations to have a number of fuel pods, where the aircraft can top up and then continue its mission without having to return to a major airport," he said. "Every minute we can save on refuelling time is an extra minute we can spend helping patients."
As well as the Carnavon Gorge area, Mr Borbidge said the Maranoa regional advisory committee was identifying possible sites and working with head office in Brisbane to get the program off the ground.
Issues being covered off include regulatory arrangements in respect of having fuel stored on remote properties, access, and locations.
"This fuel stop network, combined with our planned new base will further ensure that the people of this region have access to the absolute highest standard of aeromedical service," Mr Borbidge said.
In mid-October, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced $1,072,137 in Building Better Regions federal government funding for the LifeFlight Foundation, to assist in the construction of a fully-functional aeromedical base at Roma Airport.
The organisation is currently leasing a hangar at the airport but has grown out of it with the acquisition of $20m state-of-the-art AW139 helicopter, that is unable to fit in the space available.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
