Some recent news reports
Some recent news reports
Last Update: Friday, December 8, 2006. 8:00pm (AEDT)
Rescue chopper decision 'nonsensical'
The New South Wales Opposition has promised to reverse a State Government decision to hand over the rescue helicopter contract to a foreign company if it wins the next election. The Government has today announced that the Canadian Helicopter Corporation has been awarded the tender to provide nine new aircraft.
The decision ends the contracts of the two charity services, NRMA Careflight and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Opposition health spokeswoman Jillian Skinner says the decision is incomprehensible. "We will halt this contract review, the whole process, open it to public gaze and move forward from there," she said. "It's just simply nonsensical and I can tell you the community rage is palpable."
Helicopter services upgraded
December 9, 2006
The Illawarra's rescue helicopter will soon be flying 24 hours a day in what's seen as a major victory for the region. Unions said yesterday's announcement was the culmination of a three-year community campaign to extend the rescue service, now operating 10 hours a day.
The State Government said yesterday that CHC Australia had won the hotly contested contract to cover the upgraded Wollongong service, as well as those in Sydney and Orange.
Four new twin-engine helicopters will be used, which are up to 30 per cent faster than existing aircraft and can carry heavier loads.
The decision attracted criticism from the existing rescue helicopter operators, NRMA CareFlight and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, which cover Sydney and Orange and will now be replaced.