The construction works for the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s training facility in Bundaberg, Queensland has officially begun.
With Murchie Constructions, a Bundaberg-based company as the contractor, the project will be developed right next to the already existing RFDS Bundaberg Base. The land on which the training facility will be built was donated by Bundaberg Regional Council.
Funded jointly by the RFDS, the Federal Government, and the QCoal Foundation, the construction works for the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s training facility in Bundaberg, are expected to be completed by the end of 2023 at a cost of $25.3 million.
The Australian Government will proved a total of $14.9 million while $3M will come from QCoal Foundation. The Royal Flying Doctors Service will provide the remaining funds through fundraising means.
Remarks on the project
Speaking a the groundbreaking ceremony, Meredith Staib, CEO of the RFDS (Queensland Section) said, “I’m incredibly excited to see work commence on our Royal Flying Doctors Service’s training facility in Bundaberg. The facility will help support the ongoing training of our highly skilled pilots, as well as pilots from across Australia and Asia.
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Moreover, this purpose-built facility will play a vital role as we head towards 100 years of the Flying Doctor. This is all thanks to the innovative aviation and training techniques that will ensure the continuity of world-class training for our pilots and crew. This will consequently help them to continue to provide the finest care to patients right across Queensland.”
Expectations for the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s training facility in Bundaberg
Upon completion, the facility is expected to be home to the only Beechcraft King Air Pro Line Fusion Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) in Australia.
RFDS pilots from Queensland will reportedly spend at least two weeks a year at the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s training facility in Bundaberg. Other non-pilot members of the RFDS, on the other hand, will also use the simulator for endorsements and recurrent training for King Air aircraft.
With a total of $14.9 million coming from the Australian Government. On the other end, $3 million coming from QCoal Foundation. Thereafter, the Royal Flying Doctors Service will fund the remained of the project through fundraising means. Impressively, the Bundaberg Regional Council donated land for the facility.
