❓ Question regarding delays in the deployment of new rescue helicopters and a request for one to be based in Geraldton. The Minister acknowledges delays due to regulatory processes and supply chain issues, but does not commit to a Geraldton base.
AnsweredQoN 899Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
EMERGENCY HELICOPTERS — PROCUREMENT
899. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to the purchase of the three
new Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters for Western Australia and note the
minister's response during the 2023–24 budget estimates that ''all
three helicopters are expected to be online by the middle of 2024''.
(1) When will these new helicopters
be online and available to assist WA residents?
(2) Why have these helicopters been
delayed?
(3) Will the
minister ensure that one of these helicopters is based in Geraldton to service
the midwest, as called for on multiple occasions by the Department of Fire and
Emergency Services, the State Coroner, and communities in the midwest?
899. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to the purchase of the three
new Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters for Western Australia and note the
minister's response during the 2023–24 budget estimates that ''all
three helicopters are expected to be online by the middle of 2024''.
(1) When will these new helicopters
be online and available to assist WA residents?
(2) Why have these helicopters been
delayed?
(3) Will the
minister ensure that one of these helicopters is based in Geraldton to service
the midwest, as called for on multiple occasions by the Department of Fire and
Emergency Services, the State Coroner, and communities in the midwest?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
The Department of Fire and Emergency
Services has provided the following advice.
(1) The first
Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service AW139 is scheduled to be operational very
soon. The two remaining will be operational in early 2025.
(2) Delays have
been experienced due to aviation regulatory processes, global and interstate
supply chain disruptions and engineering labour shortages experienced by the
industry.
(3) The ERHS
is strategically positioned to efficiently cover regional areas from bases in
Jandakot and Bunbury. The new ERHS AW139
rescue helicopters have improved coverage, are equipped with advanced technology and are projected to cover 91.3 per cent of the state's
population.
some notice of the question.
The Department of Fire and Emergency
Services has provided the following advice.
(1) The first
Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service AW139 is scheduled to be operational very
soon. The two remaining will be operational in early 2025.
(2) Delays have
been experienced due to aviation regulatory processes, global and interstate
supply chain disruptions and engineering labour shortages experienced by the
industry.
(3) The ERHS
is strategically positioned to efficiently cover regional areas from bases in
Jandakot and Bunbury. The new ERHS AW139
rescue helicopters have improved coverage, are equipped with advanced technology and are projected to cover 91.3 per cent of the state's
population.
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