Port Macquarie is a step closer to its own ambulance helicopter base, with planning moving ahead as the first designs for NSW’s new regional bases are unveiled.
The Port Macquarie base is one of three new regional bases in a $63.95 million plan to grow the state’s aeromedical network from six bases to nine.
Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first to be built, with both planned for local airports. Construction there is expected to start in early 2027, once planning approval is granted and a building contractor is appointed.
No timeline has been given for Port Macquarie, where planning is progressing.
“The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW,” said Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park.
“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.”
NSW Ambulance aeromedical teams fly more than 4,400 helicopter missions across the state every year.
The network now has 13 helicopters and six bases, at Bankstown in Sydney, Wollongong, Orange, Belmont in Newcastle, Lismore, and Tamworth.
Each new regional base 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
“Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW,” said NSW Ambulance Executive Director Aeromedical and Special Operations Dr Sarah Coombes.
“These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”
The bigger network is designed to strengthen the response to medical emergencies, car crashes, and natural disasters, and give rural, regional, and remote communities fairer access to emergency care.
“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW,” Park said.
“This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”
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