In a huge boost for Queensland’s healthcare infrastructure, Brisbane Airport has commenced construction on a state-of-the-art Aeromedical Precinct.
This ambitious $217 million project has been developed in partnership with the Queensland Government.
When operational, it will revolutionize emergency medical response and patient care across the state. This will be of benefit particularly for those in regional, rural, and remote communities.
Location of New Aeromedical Precinct
Strategically positioned between Brisbane Airport’s parallel runways, the new precinct is designed for rapid access and efficient operations.
It will serve as a central hub for critical emergency services, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland, and the Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group.
This consolidation of services in one location marks a significant improvement over the current scattered arrangement of these agencies across the airport.
The scale and scope of the Aeromedical Precinct are truly impressive. With capacity for 26 aircraft, the facility will boast 18,700 square meters of hangar and headquarters space, complemented by 17,800 square meters of tarmac parking.
Additionally, the precinct will provide parking for 450 staff members, ensuring ample space for the dedicated professionals who will operate from this hub.
Urgent Need for New Facility
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff emphasized the unique nature of the project. “There’s nothing like the scale of Brisbane Airport’s Aeromedical Precinct anywhere in the world. This groundbreaking project will significantly enhance the level of care for Queenslanders needing urgent treatment in Brisbane.”
The necessity for such a facility is clear when considering the volume of patients currently served by aeromedical services.
In the last fiscal year alone, the Royal Flying Doctor Service flew 4,611 patients to Brisbane Airport. Meanwhile, LifeFlight’s operations helped over a thousand people through air ambulance jets and helicopters.
A key feature of the new precinct is the patient transfer facility, which will streamline the transition of patients between aircraft and road ambulances.
De Graaff explained, “Around 18 patients every day are flown in and out of Brisbane Airport. Those transfers between aircraft and ambulance will now take place inside a patient transfer hub at the core of the Aeromedical Precinct.”
Knowledge and Experience Sharing
Beyond its primary function of patient care and transport, the precinct will serve as a nexus for collaboration and innovation in emergency medical services.
By bringing together various agencies in one location, the facility will foster knowledge sharing and enhance coordination among Queensland’s lifesavers.
Construction of the Aeromedical Precinct is expected to conclude in December 2026, with ADCO Constructions at the helm of the project. The development phase alone will create 150 on-site jobs, with more than 400 positions anticipated once the facility is operational.
Stakeholder Comments
Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, highlighted the project’s significance for statewide healthcare.
“The new Aeromedical Hub at Brisbane Airport will transform the aeromedical network. It will support the continued safe, reliable, and efficient systems to deliver timely access to healthcare, especially in rural, remote, and regional areas.”
Michael Cussen, Acting Executive Director of Retrieval Services Queensland, noted the growing demand for aeromedical services. “In the last financial year, on average 60 patients were aeromedically transported every day throughout the state. “Around 18 of those patients were transferred to and from Brisbane hospitals via Brisbane Airport each day.”
Leaders from key emergency services organizations have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Meredith Staib, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), thanked the State Government and supporters for helping bring this crucial patient care facility to life.
Similarly, LifeFlight’s Chief Operating Officer, Lee Schofield, praised the collaborative nature of the project. He highlighted the potential of the new facility to help more Queenslanders.
Summary
As construction begins on this landmark facility, it will mark a significant investment in infrastructure. Relevantly, the new precinct holds a potential to greatly contribute to the health and well-being of all Queenslanders.
The Aeromedical Precinct at Brisbane Airport stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. The coordination of government, healthcare providers, and aviation services has been a notable highlight of the development. The new facility will establish a world-class emergency response system that will serve the state for generations to come.
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