The Nationals WA will invest $12 million to establish a dedicated Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base in Geraldton, addressing the urgent need for faster, more reliable aeromedical support for Geraldton, the Mid West and Gascoyne regions.
Nationals WA Candidate for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr, announced the funding today, highlighting the critical role the new base will play in saving lives and improving healthcare outcomes.
“Geraldton is the busiest location in WA for outbound medical flights, yet it doesn’t have a dedicated RFDS base,” Ms Warr said.
“This $12 million commitment will change that creating a central hub for aeromedical services that will deliver faster emergency responses and better healthcare for regional and remote communities.”
A 2022 Aeromedical Inquiry by the Chief Health Officer identified Geraldton as a high-priority location due to soaring demand for emergency medical flights.
“With almost 3,000 Priority 1 ambulance cases occurring within 400 kilometres of Geraldton Airport each year, many requiring urgent transfer to Perth, the need for an RFDS base in Geraldton couldn’t be clearer,” Ms Warr said.
“The current RFDS fleet is stretched to capacity, and this investment will help fill the gap, ensuring critical care reaches people when and where they need it most.”
Ms Warr emphasized the life-saving work of the RFDS, which goes beyond emergency retrievals to include clinical services, dentistry and telehealth.
“Every family in regional WA has a story about the RFDS. They are trusted, respected, and vital to our communities,” Ms Warr said.
“Supporting the RFDS to expand their operations in Geraldton is a no-brainer. It’s about saving lives, reducing pressure on our healthcare system, and giving regional families peace of mind.”
Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Moore Shane Love MLA welcomed the commitment, stressing the importance of improved aeromedical coverage in the Mid West and Gascoyne.
“Demand for RFDS services across regional WA is rising, with more than 10,000 patient retrievals in 2023 alone,” Mr Love said.
“A new RFDS base in Geraldton will ensure faster response times, better patient outcomes, and a stronger regional healthcare system.
“This is about ensuring that no matter where you live in WA, you can access the emergency care you need, when you need it.”
Mr Love said the $12 million commitment builds on The Nationals WA’s broader plan to improve regional health, with more than $500 million pledged to redevelop regional hospitals, expand the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme and deliver a life-saving rescue helicopter for Geraldton and the Mid West.
“The Nationals WA are committed to ensuring regional Western Australians get the healthcare they deserve. This RFDS base is just one part of our plan to deliver better health outcomes for all,” Mr Love said.
