Rockhampton Regional Council has continued its support for rural healthcare by waiving more than $180,000 in Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) landing fees over the past 12 months.
Council has supported the RFDS for many years, with a total of $1,750,882.81 in landing fees waived since 2007.
Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson said the service was vital to rural and regional communities.
"I don't think there's anyone in our region who doesn't know someone who has needed the RFDS at some point in their life," Cr Wickerson said.
"This vital service helps people in remote areas reach their nearest hospital, or transports patients from regional areas to metropolitan hospitals for more advanced care.
"Council is very pleased to support the RFDS through this $182,462.91 reimbursement because they ensure distance is not a barrier to accessing the best possible healthcare.
"The work they do and the healthcare services they provide do not go unnoticed in any corner of our region or across the country."
The RFDS (Queensland Section) completed 2,820 patient transfers to and from Rockhampton Airport in the past year, providing critical care and transport services to people across regional, rural, and remote Queensland.
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the waiving of landing fees by Rockhampton Regional Council plays a significant role in ensuring the organisation can invest even more in patient care.
"The support of local councils like Rockhampton is incredibly important as it assists us directly to help more people across Central Queensland," Ms Staib said.
"By waiving landing fees at Rockhampton airport, we are able to utilise those funds in a way that truly helps those working, living, and travelling in regional Queensland.
"We value the ongoing support of council and look forward to supporting the region for many years to come."
