The NSW Government will provide $2.3 million for a new Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service aeromedical base at Belmont.       

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the new base at Lake Macquarie Airport will be a key emergency service facility for northern NSW with aircraft hangar facilities; day maintenance and training facilities; and accommodation for pilots, crews, doctors and ambulance staff.

“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service makes an invaluable contribution to our state and the NSW Government is delighted to support them in building this new base,” Mr Stokes said.

“This is an example of how we can harness the Hunter region’s growth for the benefit of the public.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the project was one of eight initiatives to share in $50 million from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.

“This will be the primary Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service base for northern NSW, and will provide a vital service to the entire region,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This new facility will be vital in helping the rescue helicopter service meet increased demand from the region’s growing population.”

The total cost of the new base will be $5.5 million. The remaining $3.2 million will be provided by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Construction has commenced and the base is expected to be operational by March 2017.

The Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund has provided a total of $450 million for a range of projects to improve infrastructure and public facilities across the region.