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New Helimed 1 - HEMS 2 Facility Opened At AirportA new $1.2 million customised facility for the Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) was opened at the Latrobe Regional Airport on Friday 9 November 2007 by the Health Minister, Daniel Andrews MP. By Latrobe City - 12th November 2007 - Back to News The Helimed 1 - HEMS 2 hangar and facility comprises a large hangar for storage and maintenance of the Bell 412 rescue helicopter and associated paramedic equipment, a landing apron and associated fuel farm, and an operations complex incorporating accommodation and training facilities for rostered staff.
Latrobe City councillor and member of the Latrobe Regional Airport Board, Cr Graeme Middlemiss, said that the new Helimed One facility has been developed by council on land at the Latrobe Regional Airport in close proximity to the Latrobe Regional Hospital following a leasing agreement reached between council and the Metropolitan Ambulance Service.
"The development of the new Helimed 1 - HEMS 2 hangar and facility has long been envisaged by the airport board, council, and MAS as not only benefiting operational aspects of the rescue service, but also providing a much needed opportunity for further expansion of business at the Latrobe Regional Airport," Cr Middlemiss explained.
"In 1990 the Helimed 1 helicopter air ambulance was located temporarily within the Gippsland Aeronautics complex of buildings, occupying a hangar and office buildings originally built by the former National Safety Council of Victoria.
"The lease between council and the Metropolitan Ambulance Service for these premises explicitly recognised at the time that Helimed 1 might relocate at some time in the future into a purpose-built ambulance base to be developed by council and we are delighted that this has now happened.
"The premises vacated by Helimed will now be refurbished by the Airport Board to become a pre-delivery showroom for completed GA 8 Airvans and a professional corporate headquarters for Gippsland Aeronautics – one worthy of a major, prestigious company exporting worldwide," Cr Middlemiss said.
Cr Middlemiss added that the Helimed 1 relocation project is one of the largest single projects ever undertaken at the Latrobe Regional Airport.
"The commitment of the Metropolitan Ambulance Service to the project and the long-term lease for the new premises is welcome news for the people of the Latrobe Valley and in fact the whole of eastern Victoria," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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