Helicopter’s home is world class

The “final pillar” in the RAC Rescue Helicopter’s placement in Bunbury was cemented yesterday as its multi-million dollar base was officially opened.

The $6.9 million rescue base at Bunbury Regional Airport has been boasted as a world-class facility with modern engineering workshops, training and dormitory rooms.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said the purpose-built base was an invaluable investment in saving lives.

The chopper has flown 245 missions since it was launched in Bunbury in February.

“We’re all safer because of its existence,” Mr Castrilli said.

“This is a facility which ensures our emergency service personnel have access to the state-of-art equipment they need to save lives — you can’t put a price on that.”

The base will eventually include flight and rescue winch simulators and a weather station. Opening the base yesterday, Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the facility would improve access to emergency medical care.