Major maintenance and an increasing demand for its EMS and SAR services has left Sunshine Coast based AGL Action Rescue seeking help to cover a $200,000 hole in its coffers.
A major contributor to the shortfall was unexpected maintenance on its Bundaberg-based BK117, which required three rotor blades to be replaced at a cost of $55,000 each. Similarly, the overhaul of the service’s Bell LongRanger came in nearly $200,000 over budget after corrosion issues were identified.
The service has requested additional funding from the Queensland government, but treasurer Lawrence Springborg has warned that the government didn’t “have an endless pot of money.”
“But we do understand that when it comes to these aerial services which are provided and others, we need to work to deal with the reality of an increasing demand and that’s something that we will be doing,” he said.
Donations from the public can be made through AGL Action Rescue’s website at www.actionrescue.com.au.
