The Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with the job of building a brand new helipad at the Launceston General Hospital with $15 million secured for the vital project in the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget.
The project has now reached an important milestone with the lodgement of a Development Application with the City of Launceston.
The helipad will be built on top of the existing carpark on the western side of the LGH site and replace the current ground-level concrete pad in nearby Ockerby Gardens.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said the new helipad would ensure patients who require aero-medical transportation to and from the LGH will get to the right clinical area for their needs safely and efficiently.
“The LGH helipad is a critical resource for the pre-hospital care and emergency transportation of Tasmanians, and our plans to build a new helipad will provide a safe and efficient long-term solution,” the Premier said.
“The new rooftop location will allow for the construction of a new state-of-the-art, contemporary helipad that provides efficient patient transfer to the Emergency Department, ICU and theatres through an aerobridge connection. It will also provide additional flight paths which will enable operation in more difficult weather conditions.
“The Cleveland Street multi-storey car park meets or exceeds all the necessary requirements for a new helipad and we look forward to progressing this project so that we can provide a sustainable, long-term solution for the LGH and the northern Tasmanian community.”
Treasurer and local Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson said that the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget will deliver record investment in the health system, with a focus on delivering new and upgraded critical health infrastructure.
“We are targeting every dollar to get things done building a strong economy and a safe, caring community,” the Treasurer said.
“It is because of our sensible, responsible economic management over the past nine years that allows us to invest so heavily into Tasmania’s health system.
“Under the Tasmanian Liberal Government, we will continue to build Tasmania’s future and deliver a stronger, safer and more secure health system.”
Liberal Member for Bass, Simon Wood, said it is great to see yet another significant investment being made by the Tasmanian Liberal Government into the Launceston General Hospital to ensure it is fit for purpose for decades to come.
“The construction of a new helipad will provide a long-term, sustainable solution for the LGH and the northern Tasmanian community and I look forward to seeing it progress,” Mr Wood said.
The Department of Health will now work with the Council to provide any further information needed to assess the planned development, in line with normal planning procedures.
Premier Rockliff said the community should be reassured that emergency aero-medical transport is still available for those who need it.
“I want to be clear that Tasmanians who require urgent health care via aeromedical helicopter transport are absolutely still receiving that care,” the Premier said.
Ambulance Tasmania will continue to use Launceston Airport as the landing site whilst the new helipad is constructed in early 2024.
