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RFDS receives $68 million funding boost

Posted December 3, 2008 14:44:00
Updated December 3, 2008 14:48:00

Nationals leader Brendon Grylls (top) and Dr Kim Hames (bottom) inspect a RFDS plane. (ABC)

The State Government has announced an extra $68.5 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), with almost half of that to come from the royalties for regions scheme.

The funding was an election commitment and was approved by State Cabinet this week.

The previous Labor government had promised to spend $38 million.

The additional 30 million will come from the royalties for regions scheme.

The Chief Executive of the RFDS, Tim Shackleton, says the funding will cover the replacement of five planes and the purchase of another three - taking the fleet to a total of 14 aircraft.

It relieves the pressure because for the first time in our history we can move forward with confidence knowing we've got the full backing of the State Government," he said.

"We don't have to scrimp and save and hustle and bustle to get every dollar."

The additional three aircraft will be based at Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie, and Jandakot.

Tags: charities-and-community-organisations, liberal-party, nationals, health, doctors-and-medical-professionals, healthcare-facilities, health-policy, charities, programs-and-initiatives, wa, albany-6330, broome-6725, bunbury-6230, geraldton-6530, kalgoorlie-6430, kununurra-6743, perth-6000, port-hedland-6721