Tasmania’s emergency helicopter service will soar into a new chapter this month as StarFlight Australia takes over the contract after 25 years of operation by local provider Rotor-Lift Aviation.
The Australian company will begin delivering aeromedical retrieval, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement services from January 12 following what the government described as a “rigorous open tender process” for the contract.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the transition would bring enhanced capabilities to the state’s emergency response system.
“Training has been undertaken in recent months in collaboration with Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police, with all services, staff and equipment ready to go live on January 12,” Archer said.
“This ensures the continuation of the essential, lifesaving services Tasmanians expect and rely on in their time of need – often delivered in the most challenging of conditions and terrain.”
Most of Rotor-Lift’s 37 staff members, including pilots and maintenance engineers, have been recruited by StarFlight.
StarFlight Chair Dennis Richardson welcomed the new partnership with the Tasmanian government.
“The value of this partnership will create long-lasting benefits to the communities we serve and will include a local training academy providing accredited programs,” Richardson said.
However, the transition has not been without controversy.
Rotor-Lift owner Allana Corbin last year expressed devastation at losing the contract her family business has held for a quarter-century, a decision which will now see the company cease to exist.
“We’ve provided a Versace service at a Kmart price. Not one day have we not been ready to go on a job,” Corbin said.
Health Department Secretary Dale Webster defended the decision at the time, saying the new contract “lifts our capability” and “brings in new technology” including improved winching capabilities.
StarFlight will initially operate from Cambridge Airport before moving to a new purpose-built facility.
