Aerodrome's emergency role disputed

By Christine McKee

Apr 30, 2025

Royal Flying Doctor Service provides health care and 24-hour emergency service to people who live, work and travel across the 8 million km² of Australia. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari

Federation councillor David Harrison has disputed details in the Corowa Aerodrome Service Review presented by Delos Delta at the council’s February meeting.

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He submitted a notice of motion this week asking councillors to note the inaccuracy, which he said erroneously concluded that Corowa Aerodrome had a small and diminishing emergency service role.

The report said the aerodrome had not been used for medical evacuation or the provision of medical services in recent history and concluded there appeared to be little demand for Corowa Aerodrome to provide medivac services.

Cr Harrison said the conclusion was wrong, misleading and based on a single personal communication.

Data shows that Ambulance Victoria Air Wing had provided an average of two emergency fixed wing evacuations per year for the past five years and the Royal Flying Doctor Service had averaged three to four emergency fixed wing visits over the same time period.

NSW Ambulance did not provide data.

A supporting testimonial from Angel Flight, which provides air transport to help patients in rural areas to access medical treatment, said the organisation had assisted thousands of patients and families in and around Corowa.

Councillors unanimously voted.

It was resolved at the February ordinary meeting that an updated service review document would be prepared and presented to council by the end of the 2025 calendar year.