For the first time in its operation, the RAC South West Emergency Rescue Helicopter has been allocated secure funding to continue its vital service far into the future.
Today’s funding announcement by the McGowan Labor Government ensures the helicopter is now properly funded.
Under the previous Liberal National government, the South West helicopter, which began operating on February 1, 2016, was only partly funded until June 2018.
The McGowan Labor Government has worked to secure long-term funding for the helicopter in a tight budget environment and will allocate $27.9 million across the forward estimates.
Last financial year, the helicopter transported 172 patients and since it began operating in February 2016, the helicopter has transported more than 283 patients.
The Bunbury-based RAC helicopter and the Perth-based RAC helicopter cover 95 per cent of Western Australia’s population.