Arabic version: مروحيات الإنقاذ في وسط كوينزلاند تواجه مناقصة لمزوّد واحد

According to ABC News, the Queensland government is preparing a tender for one emergency helicopter service to cover both Mackay and Rockhampton, creating uncertainty for the region’s two community-funded operators.

CQ Rescue in Mackay and Capricorn Rescue in Rockhampton provide emergency care to a combined population of about 485,000. Both services were established through local donations, sponsorships and fundraising, alongside state government contributions. Capricorn Rescue flew 633 missions in 2024–25, while CQ Rescue reported 788 flights during the 2025 calendar year.

A Queensland Health pre-release tender notice says the state is seeking a single operator for aeromedical patient transport, search-and-rescue work, and support for law enforcement and other government agencies. The document says the process is intended to achieve “value for Queensland and taxpayers’ money and ensuring fair and open competition”. A tender is expected in the coming months. Queensland Health and Ambulance Service declined to comment.

The two services began flying 30 years ago. CQ Rescue director and Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he backed a single contract provided the services remained under local control. He said Mackay and Rockhampton were prepared to work together, but he did not want a large national organisation to take over.

The combined operating costs of the two services exceeded $40 million in 2025, with about $25 million supplied by the Queensland government. Mirani MP Glen Kelly said the service would not be wound down, while Whitsundays mother Tess Salmond said CQ Rescue and Proserpine Hospital staff helped save her seven-year-old son Peter after he was flown to Townsville University Hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit.