Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA says the State Government basing a helicopter in Geraldton to identify power outages shows a permanent rescue helicopter is a viable option going forward.
Announced on Sunday, the Cook Labor Government introduced six helicopters to support the electricity network.
Ms Warr said the decision opened the door for a conversation about rescue helicopters.
“The State Government has decided to base a helicopter in Geraldton, but it’s the wrong one,” she said.
“While these helicopters will be useful when it comes to power outages, the rest of the time they may sit idle.
“They’ve shown it’s possible to place a helicopter here, so why isn’t a rescue helicopter based in the Mid West being considered?”
For years, community leaders, health experts, and service volunteers have pleaded for a local rescue helicopter in Geraldton, to service the Mid West and the northern regions of WA.
Ms Warr said the request had fallen on deaf ears.
“It’s clear that unless you live in Perth or the South West, emergency response is not a priority under this State Government,” she said.
“Having a rescue chopper based in Geraldton makes sense, and has been recommended by the Chief Health Officer and the State Coroner.”
At the moment, rescue helicopters are based in Perth and Bunbury.
Ms Warr said having a Mid West-based helicopter was a no-brainer, but requests had been brushed off in Parliament.
“I asked the Premier and the Emergency Services Minister about a Mid West-based rescue helicopter, but neither wanted to engage in meaningful discussion about this,” she said.
“I urge the State Government to reconsider, given they have shown a willingness to provide another helicopter for a separate use.”
Ms Warr is seeking advice on whether a helicopter will be permanently based in Geraldton to support Western Power.
