The Queensland government announced as part of its budget on June 8 that it will provide an additional $1.64 million per year to assist Toowoomba Airport based CareFlight South West upgrade its part-time operations to a full time service.
CareFlight Group Queensland CEO, Ashley van de Velde, said the new government funding is a major win for the corporate and community supporters who have been the driving force behind the service. “It’s their hard earned dollars that has enabled CareFlight Rescue South West to deliver this service over the past three years. Having an aircraft available in Toowoomba 24/7 will mean quicker response times and greater efficiency in reaching patients in the southwest. This enhanced delivery of service will complement the services provided by the Queensland Ambulance Service and the local hospitals.”
CareFlight Rescue South West’s flight region extends up to 350km to the west of Toowoomba and has previously operated on weekends, school holidays and public holidays using a Bell 230. The government funding will see the service become full time as soon as operationally possible, rather than just operating on weekends and holiday periods.
