Way cleared for sale of RFDS Port hedland facility to make way for new centre

8/8/97

The State Government has cleared the way for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to sell its Port Hedland facility so a sophisticated new centre can be built.

Speaking from Port Hedland, Lands Minister Doug Shave said the centre would be jointly used by the Education Department's School of the Air and the RFDS and would be built at the town airport site.

Mr Shave today presented the RFDS with amalgamation documents for the service's existing Kingsmill Street facilities, enabling them to be sold to help fund the airport relocation.

He said the new joint facility will benefit the entire North-West region.

The new centre would consist of a treatment/resuscitation area, office accommodation for RFDS doctors and nurses, together with a principal's office, library and two studios for the School of the Air.

"The two organisations will share a reception area, a conference room for eight people, a lecture room and an office/shop for a part-time fundraiser and tour guide," Mr Shave said.

"I am delighted to be able to announce the Government's support for the project and to present the title deeds to move this important new facility towards becoming a reality.

"Treasury, through the Minister for Health, have funded a grant of $140,000 to the RFDS to secure title of the existing site, hence clearing the way for the sale to proceed.

"The sale will lead to the improvement of RFDS and School of the Air services for both local and remote communities."

Local MLC Greg Smith said the services provided by both the organisations were vital to bush people and today's announcement would ensure that Western Australians in the area would have access to top class facilities.

Mr Shave and Mr Smith met with RFDS chief executive officer Bruce Rathbourne and area staff for the presentation.

The Minister said DOLA had been assisted in the land transfer by the support of the Ministers for Health and Education.

Work on the new airport facility is due to be completed by the end of the first term of the 1998 school year.

Further information: Anabel Gomez 9366 0300