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Design and planning work is underway for a new $21.3 million Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base at Launceston Airport.
The redevelopment, supported by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments and set to open in 2027, would increase capacity for both fixed and rotary aircraft and was an election promise from Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s victorious Liberal government in March this year.
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The state government has contributed $6 million to the project, with another $15 million coming from the federal government.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s $6 million investment for the new base will enable the RFDS to continue its vital work,” said Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma.
“Not only will this project improve access to healthcare across regional Tasmania, it will support local jobs during construction, and once the upgraded site is operational.”
The new base will increase space for ground transfers, as well as for surge workers during events such as infectious disease outbreaks or firefighting efforts during bushfires. It will also enable RFDS to increase its outreach support, including mobile services for GPs and mental and dental health, the government said.
According to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell, the RFDS would also be able to better deliver urgent care to Tasmanians.
“While the RFDS’s current home in Tasmania has served the community for 20 years, our government is getting on with updating the site ensure it continues to provide the service Tasmanian needs and deserves,” Mitchell said.
“By securing the future of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Launceston Airport, we’re ensuring that the RFDS can continue to deliver lifesaving care throughout our state, from clinic charter services to road transfers.”
RFDS Tasmania board chair Malcolm White and CEO Nicole Henty thanked the respective governments for their support, with the base expected to create 62 jobs during construction and 41 ongoing healthcare jobs when it came online.
“We are grateful to both the Federal and State Governments for coming together to support this initiative and help us construct this base at Launceston Airport,” they said.
“This is an exciting development for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Tasmania and we look forward to developing an aeromedical base that all Tasmanians can be proud of.”
Other emergency services, including Ambulance Tasmania, the Fixed Wing Aeromedical Providers and the state police, will also have a presence at the facility.
