- DFES Aviation Facility in Jandakot will consolidate emergency services aviation arms
- Fit-for-purpose facility designed to improve operational efficiency during emergencies
- Complex to be developed to meet future growth in emergency aviation operations
- Cook Government committed to building safe communities
Work will soon start on a new purpose-built headquarters that will boost Western Australia's aviation response to emergencies.
The State Government has committed $12.5 million to establish and fit out the facility at Jandakot Airport.
Previously, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' (DFES) Aviation Services branch - the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) and Air Operations - were based at separate locations.
The DFES Aviation Facility, which is expected to be ready by September next year, meets contemporary response requirements and will improve operational efficiency with aerial assets and personnel in the one facility.
The new site will be more than 8100m2in size and include four hangars, office accommodation, training simulators, training rooms, amenities and crew rest areas.
It will also support future growth in DFES aviation programs.
DFES will continue to locate other aerial assets in locations around the State to meet operational requirements.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"In such a vast State, aircraft have become a critical asset for emergency services in their response to a range of incidents, including fighting bushfires and performing rescues.
"It is important the State Government supports the DFES aerial fleet and provides a facility that will enhance emergency responses and rescue and recovery times.
"This is a significant investment in Western Australia's emergency services aviation strategies as the new facility will be able to adapt and adjust to advances and additions to the aerial fleet.
"By providing modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, our aviation crews will be able to continue to help keep Western Australians safe."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM
"The DFES aerial fleet is a highly valuable tool in protecting communities and the new facility will help the RAC Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service and our other aerial assets answer calls for help.
"Since its first flight in 2003, the Emergency Helicopter Rescue Service has completed close to 11,000 missions and flown almost 2.5 million kilometres across WA to come to the aid of Western Australians who have needed help.
"There are more than 40 specialised aircraft in the State's aerial fleet, including 38 in the aerial firefighting fleet and three RAC Rescue Helicopters. Their management, including maintenance for some assets, will be considerably more efficient from the new, consolidated Jandakot complex."
