FURTHER COMMITMENT FOR SNOWY HYDRO SOUTHCARE RESCUE SERVICE

The ACT Government is continuing its commitment to maintaining a Canberra based aero-medical rescue service with $100,000 per year allocated to the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter in the 2005-06 Budget.

“The Snowy Hydro rescue helicopter has done a wonderful job throughout the ACT and surrounding region since it’s introduction in 1998,” Minister for Police and Emergency Services John Hargreaves said.  

“I’m very pleased to be able to announce the ACT Government’s continued contribution for this life saving service.

“The extra funding recognises the increasing cost of operating the chopper for the people of Canberra travelling interstate and the people of surrounding New South Wales.

The service is jointly owned and operated by the New South Wales and ACT governments and funded on a 90/10 split basis.

“The Snowy Hydro SouthCare rescue helicopter has conducted more than 1950 missions over the past six-and-a-half seven years,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The aircraft is crewed by highly trained and experienced staff from the ACT Ambulance Service and the Canberra Hospital.”

Mr Hargreaves also encouraged continued community support for the life saving service.

“I applaud the fundraising efforts of the SouthCare Trust and its generous donors,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“I trust business and individual donors will continue their wonderful support for many years to come.”
Statement ends