New Roma LifeFlight hangar opened

Their sponsorship, an unknown amount, has resulted in the new helicopter hangar being named after them, which LifeFlight Foundation board chair Rob Borbidge said they were delighted to do.

"They've made a really big difference to making the base happen, and it's only fitting that we recognise their contribution by naming the base after them," he said.

ACC CEO Anthony Lee was present at the unveiling of the $3.4m structure, and said there were many reasons to support the initiative, especially as they'd needed to use it as a family and as a business, with around 200 employees in the region.

"It's an inherently dangerous job, and obviously we do everything we can to make it safe but when you have cattle, horses, motorbikes and machinery and the like, then obviously you've got the element of danger," he said.

"And you've got this tyranny of distance issue we know the bush faces, so having these services that are critical - you never need it til you need it, then you really need it."

Mr Lee said the benefits the service provided to the community were second to none.

"By having a base that they own cements it for its long term viability," he said.

The community support for, and speed with which the base was brought into being, were features of the speeches made at Monday's opening, attended by around 160 people.

Maranoa Regional Council mayor Tyson Golder commented on the community spirit that had driven the project, brought on when the new rescue chopper meant they had outgrown the hangar being leased at the airport, resulting in a share arrangement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the airport.

The project received a $1.072m grant from the previous federal government under the now-defunct Building Better Regions Fund, which LifeFlight was required to match.

LifeFlight's regional advisory committee chair Kate Scott highlighted the $75,000 raised by a group of people under the age of 25 who held a charity ball at Meandarra, saying they were an inspiration to all.

"The costs of construction rose and the gap had to be funded by you," she told the audience. "The young people at Meandarra have seen the LifeFlight chopper and crew in their area too many times."

She said the project had been a true partnership involving the federal government, the community, major donors, the Maranoa Regional Council, the CSG companies that fund the ongoing operation of the rescue chopper, and LifeFlight itself.

More than $2.3m was raised through local businesses, individual donors, and philanthropic and community support.

The council is making the area available via a peppercorn lease.

RELATED: Work underway on new Roma LifeFlight base

LifeFlight spokeswoman Leanne Angel said every gift had brought the organisation closer to Monday's opening, which LifeFlight Foundation board chair Rob Borbidge described as future-proofing the service in the region.

Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, opened the facility, saying the federal government had continued to back the project so LifeFlight had the facilities it needed to save lives in the future.

"This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional communities need," he said. "Funding projects such as this ensures our regions remain a great place to live, work and visit."

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LifeFlight pilot Simon Newman described the opening as probably the biggest day in the history of the helicopter service at Roma, saying it was a significant upgrade.

"This has been built from the ground up, so it's going to have a direct impact on how quickly we can get to patients, how quickly we can get out the door, and how quickly we can get in the sky," he said.

"We've been making do with a hangar that wasn't built for purpose, so when we upgraded from the 412 to the 139 about three years ago, it was actually too big for the hangar.

"We definitely needed an upgrade."

The new hangar will mean they can be airborne within about five minutes of being called, rather than juggling with the RFDS plane they were housed with.

Mr Newman said the upgrade in terms of general comfort, plus the operational technology, would make a massive difference in terms of how attractive LifeFlight was as a company for people to come and work for.

"We're attracting top level medical crew because all of a sudden they come and visit and say, wow this is impressive," he said.

The local committee isn't resting on its laurels, with Ms Scott telling those present at the opening that strategically placed fuel pods, first mooted in 2021, were getting closer to installation in locations such as Augathella, Springsure, Cunnamulla, Bollon and Quilpie.

Fuel pods would allow the operator to top up and continue its mission without having to return to a major airport.

"We won't just be flying within a 200km radius, we're going to be able to go out further, and that brings in a massive amount of community," Ms Scott said.

And while the local ambulance service will have straight-through access to the new hangar and apron for patient and medical equipment transfer, Ms Scott said serious discussions were being undertaken about establishing a helipad at the Roma Hospital to make the process more efficient.

"Let's hope Queensland Health comes to the party - we are dedicated to seeing it come into being," she said.

The new base is not yet operational but Mr Borbidge said the transition from the smaller hanger was underway.

Once that's happened, a visitor centre will be incorporated into the new base, which will offer an immersive experience that connects people with the LifeFlight and SGAS story and build awareness of the importance of LifeFlight's aeromedical rescue services to the region.