Communities across rural and regional NSW have been given their first look at the design for new regional helicopter bases, as part of a planned expansion to NSW’s aeromedical network and enhancing access to emergency care.
Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first of the new regional ambulance helicopter bases to be delivered and are planned to be located at local airports.
Planning for a helicopter base at Port Macquarie is progressing.
The new bases in Moruya, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $63.95 million investment in new regional helicopter ambulance infrastructure, supporting the expansion of the statewide aeromedical network from six to nine bases.
Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year. The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.
The regional helicopter bases will include:
- a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities
- mission-planning and operational workspaces
- training and staff amenities
- fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
- a dedicated road retrieval ambulance
Construction at Moruya and Wagga Wagga is expected to start in early 2027, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.
The new bases will join the existing NSW Ambulance aeromedical network of 13 helicopters and six bases located in Bankstown (Sydney), Wollongong, Orange, Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore and Tamworth.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW.
“The expanded network will help NSW Ambulance helicopters and world class paramedics and doctors provide faster access to lifesaving emergency and specialist care for regional communities.
“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW. This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:
“This is an important step forward for the Far South Coast, with a purpose-built helicopter base at Moruya set to strengthen access to lifesaving emergency care for our regional communities.
“The base will support the work of South East Regional Hospital and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, expected to open early next year, by strengthening connections between local hospitals, ambulance services and specialist care across our coastal network of health services.
“Living in a regional area should never mean being disadvantaged when it comes to emergency healthcare. A stronger aeromedical network will help NSW Ambulance teams respond to critical incidents, retrieve patients and connect them with the care they need, when they need it.
“Releasing these designs is an important milestone in delivering the infrastructure our region needs, supporting our dedicated paramedics and aeromedical teams and improving access to emergency and specialist care for communities across the Far South Coast.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr:
“I welcome the establishment of this regional aeromedical helicopter base in Wagga which will be an important improvement to emergency care for our region.
“I look forward to working with NSW Ambulance to implement this significant development.”
Quotes attributed to Dr Sarah Coombes, Executive Director Aeromedical and Special Operations, NSW Ambulance:
“Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW.
“These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”
