The new base is three times the size and spans 1,500sqm across three separate hangars. The state-of-the-art facility features an advanced fire suppression system, capacity for two AW139 helicopters and one Challenger 604 jet, six-person crew accommodation and new training rooms and simulators.
It was a great honour to join my colleague the Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, to open the facility sixteen months after I had the privilege of taking part in turning the sod. I’m also incredibly proud that my late Dad, Gordon, was involved alongside Roy Thompson, Des Scanlan, Hayden Kenny, Jim Campbell and Don Moffatt at the inception and early days of the services development.
The new base will also house the LifeFlight Jocelyn Walker Visitor Experience and Education Centre set to open later this year. It will provide an immersive experience for locals and tourists on LifeFlight’s history and its work in the Sunshine Coast region.
