Hunter New England Health agrees to airport audit

HUNTER New England Local Health District (HNELHD) has agreed to a request by Gunnedah Shire Council to audit airport facilities for the purposes of helicopter landings.

The council made the request as part of a continued push for a return to direct helicopter access at Gunnedah Hospital.

The hospital helipad has not been used in almost two years, with helicopter retrievals instead taking place at the airport, and at local playing fields in some instances.

Kylie Whitford, general manager of rural and regional health services for the Hunter New England Local Health District, said the community can be confident that safe and timely patient care remains the health district’s priority and arrangements are in place to ensure transfers occur when needed.

“Appropriate helicopter landing sites are at the explicit discretion of the pilot,” Ms Whitford said.

“Hunter New England Local Health District has engaged AviPro Aviation to assess Gunnedah Airport as a suitable helicopter landing site.

“This assessment will begin soon.”

Civic leaders including Gunnedah Shire mayor Colleen Fuller, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah-based Member of the Legislative Council Sarah Mitchell have called on the state government to address the issue.

Ms Mitchell recently raised concerns about the helipad in the Upper House and sought information about any assessments that were underway.

Cr Fuller welcomed the health district’s decision to comply with the council’s request, but remains determined for the helipad situation to be properly rectified.

“This is not about creating conflict or a stand-off. It is about doing our due diligence and ensuring decisions affecting our community’s access to healthcare are made in the best interests of patients,” she said. “We have always extended a hand of cooperation and remain willing to assist where possible, but our desired outcome remains unchanged – the primary and preferred location for a helipad in Gunnedah is at the hospital.”

Cr Fuller said the council’s preferred way of doing business is to sit down together, discuss the issues and work collaboratively towards the best outcome for the community.

“We want HNELHD to come to the table. Council has consistently said we are willing to work with HNELHD to resolve the issues that exist at the hospital site,” she said.

“Our community should not receive anything less than first-rate emergency health services. We remain ready to meet with HNELHD, work through the issues, and achieve the outcome our community deserves.”

At this month’s council meeting, councillors also endorsed a plan to propose a new landing fee for aircraft exceeding 5700kg and requiring a pavement concession.

Many councillors voiced their frustration with the current situation regarding the helipad.

The proposed council fee reflects the additional impact of heavier aircraft, including the AW139 helicopter, on council infrastructure and seeks to ensure associated costs are not borne by the community.

The resolution is on exhibition for 28 days on the council’s website and at the administration building in Elgin Street.