Nationals Leader Shane Love has called on the Cook Labor Government to stop delaying
and urgently establish a rescue helicopter in the Mid West.
The Nationals have previously pledged $45 million to establish a rescue helicopter, based
out of Geraldton, should they be returned to Government in 2025.
But Mr Love said families and communities in the Mid West should not have to wait until
after the election and urged the Government to act now.
“This Government has a rescue helicopter parked idle in Jandakot for the majority of the
year, only activating it as a backup when the primary helicopters need maintenance,” Mr
Love said.
“For minimal cost, the Government could deploy this helicopter to Geraldton immediately,
significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities in the Mid West.
Mr Love referenced findings from the Chief Health Officer’s Aeromedical Inquiry and a WA
Coroner’s report, both of which supported the urgent need for a rescue helicopter in the
region.
“It’s deeply concerning that this Government is ignoring sound policy recommendations
simply because they weren’t the ones to propose it first,” Mr Love said.
“This stubbornness is putting lives at risk, and the solution could be implemented tomorrow if
the Government had the will to act.”
Candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr said The Nationals had a longstanding commitment to
bringing a rescue helicopter to the Mid West, first announcing a policy ahead of the 2021
election.
“The need for a rescue helicopter in the Mid West is clear,” Ms Warr said.
“Whether it’s for sea rescues, operations in Kalbarri National Park, quick retrieval from the
Abrolhos Islands, or emergency responses on our roads, a helicopter based in Geraldton
would drastically reduce response times.”
Ms Warr also criticised the Government for focusing too much on cost, rather than the
human impact.
“The Government needs to consider not just the financial cost, but the potential loss of life,
trauma, and increased medical costs that result from delayed emergency responses.
“The Nationals are urging the Cook Labor Government to deploy their backup helicopter to
Geraldton immediately, ensuring the Mid West has the emergency resources it needs now,
not years down the track,” Ms Warr said.
