Economic Stimulus Plan delivers enhanced medical services and community benefits in Warrnambool and South West Victoria

Tourists and residents in Warrnambool and South West Victoria are benefiting from funding provided under the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan to enhance the Emergency Air Ambulance service.

“Considering Warrnambool’s popularity as a tourist destination, the link with medical services in Melbourne is invaluable, especially the link with trauma and children’s hospitals,” said Cr Michael Neoh, Mayor of Warrnambool.

“The Emergency Air Ambulance service can transport two patients over the 260 kilometre distance in less than an hour,” he said.

As a result of the service, five paramedics will be rostered to provide 24 hour expert care and an Australian Helicopters Engineer is now based at the airport.

Other jobs created include roles in cleaning and maintenance.

The service became operational in July 2009 and, including search and rescue, covers the 250 kilometre wide area from the South Australian border to the east of Colac in Victoria.

The service also contributes to the search and rescue capabilities for communities in the South West Victoria region.

“The economy has been boosted throughout the area thanks to this project, with $100,000 provided under the Australian Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program increasing the total project value to $592,000,” said Cr Neoh.

The remainder of the funding was provided by the State Government of Victoria.

The project included construction of a new runway-apron area, creating a space to transfer patients between planes and helicopters and avoiding congestion during peak periods.

The project also provided new power supply connections and telecommunications infrastructure to Warrnambool Regional Airport.

“Many spin-off benefits have come from the project,” said Cr Neoh.

“For example, the main terminal at the airport has also received the telecommunications upgrade and tourists will benefit from the improved access that the new runway-apron area provides,” said Cr Neoh. 

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