The government of the Australian state of New South Wales has announced a major investment of 158.8 million Australian dollars in the construction of three new air ambulance helicopter bases. The funding, unveiled as part of the 2025–2026 state budget, aims to enhance emergency medical services for residents in rural and remote communities.
This fresh allocation builds on a prior commitment of 126.6 million Australian dollars, reaffirming the state government’s dedication to strengthening health infrastructure in underserved areas.
New Air Ambulance Bases to Serve Rural Communities
The new bases will be strategically located in Moruya, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga—regions where timely access to emergency healthcare is often challenged by distance and limited road access. Once operational, these bases will provide rapid medical intervention and critical care transport, ensuring that residents in these areas are not left behind during life-threatening emergencies.
The three sites will become part of the broader NSW Ambulance air medical network, which currently operates 12 helicopters and six bases in key locations including Bankstown (Sydney), Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore, Orange, Tamworth, and Wollongong. Additionally, the system includes six fixed-wing aircraft stationed at Mascot (Sydney), allowing for both short- and long-range patient transfers.
Expanded Reach and Faster Air Ambulance Response
Dr Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive at New South Wales Ambulance, noted that helicopter operations in the state respond to over 4,200 incidents annually. He emphasized that the addition of new bases would significantly cut down response times, making it possible for a NSW Ambulance helicopter to reach the majority of towns within the state in under 60 minutes.
Healthcare experts have widely welcomed the announcement, calling it a timely move to improve health equity and emergency preparedness. The project also marks a critical step in future-proofing NSW’s air medical services amid growing population demands and increasing climate-related disasters.
Construction of the new bases is expected to commence within the fiscal year.
