A SECOND emergency rescue helicopter providing life-saving services to the West Australian community will be based at Bunbury Airport.
Emergency services minister Joe Francis said the new service would work in conjunction with the Perth-based emergency rescue helicopter to deliver critical medical care 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“A second rescue chopper will not only help South West and Great Southern communities but will allow the current Perth-based service to better respond to incidents in the Wheatbelt and Mid-West Gascoyne," Mr Francis said.
Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said the service would be extremely important to the people of Bunbury and the South West, not just because of our rapidly growing population but also our popularity as a tourist destination.
"When accidents happen, especially in isolated areas, rough terrain, or at sea, people will be able to get the help they need much more quickly," Mr Castrilli said.
"The City of Bunbury has already done some fantastic work in preparing for this service and the purpose-built base is expected to be finished by mid-2016."
The state government has allocated $29.95 million from the Royalties for Regions program over four years to establish the service.
The helicopter will respond to incidents including road crashes, emergency hospital transfers and search and rescue operations.
