A re-elected LNP Government will deliver $100,000 to provide much-needed maintenance for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Rockhampton base.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said the investment would fund urgent maintenance works including new guttering and downpipes, concreting and electric hangar door upgrades.
“The RFDS is more than just a service, it’s a lifeline. For people in the bush, in remote towns and on isolated properties, the Flying Doctor is often the only way to get emergency care when every second counts,” Ms Landry said.
“This $100,000 commitment will ensure the Rockhampton base remains in top condition, so pilots, doctors, nurses and staff can do what they do best and that is saving lives.”
Ms Landry said the RFDS had long been a cornerstone of rural and regional health, and the LNP will always back the service and the communities it supports.
“Every regional Australian knows the Flying Doctor. Whether it’s been you, your family, or your neighbour who needed them.
“The former Coalition Government backed the RFDS with nearly $1 billion in long-term funding to guarantee its future. This new commitment builds on that proud record.
“Only the LNP has a proven track record of delivering for regional healthcare.”
The RFDS Rockhampton base plays a critical role in providing emergency aeromedical evacuations and primary healthcare to thousands of people living in remote areas, covering vast distances with skill, speed and compassion.
“Capricornia is a vast electorate. When someone’s life is on the line, we need hangar doors that open fast, planes that are maintained and facilities that support our frontline heroes.
“This is practical support that delivers real outcomes for people in the bush.”
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud added the funding commitment comes on top of the LNP’s Regional Australia Future Fund (RAFF), to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural and remote Australia.
Mr Littleproud said the Fund is in recognition of the contribution regional Australians make in growing our national economy and the unique challenges faced now and into the future.
A Dutton-Littleproud LNP Government will preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts towards the establishment of the RAFF, to grow this Fund to $20 billion.
“The LNP’s transformative Fund is about putting regional people first and leaving a legacy for future generations,” Mr Littleproud said.
Initial key priorities of the RAFF include:
- Fixing local road and transport networks to save country lives and drive economic productivity.
- Growing the regional health workforce so families can access health and aged care – local and affordable.
- Developing regional industries to drive economic growth and create secure jobs.
- Delivering flexible childcare solutions for families in regional, rural and remote areas.
- Growing tourism industry opportunities for regional communities and economies.
- Supporting regional businesses to market and export their product to new and expanded markets.
- Improvingregional mobile and internet services for country communities.
- Building and upgrading economic and community infrastructure, facilities and services.
“Once established the Fund will invest a fair share of the profits created through the hard work of regional Australians back into the regions,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Fund will deliver secure and sustainable long-term funding to tackle challenges that hold back regional communities and invest in building the long-term economic foundations of regional Australia.”
“It means we don’t have to fight for funding shortfalls to provide infrastructure in regional areas such as Capricornia.”
ENDS
