Works take off on new Aeromedical Precinct at Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is welcoming a new Aeromedical Hub, and construction has already taken off on the $426 million fully funded project. 

The new airport precinct will bring together aeromedical healthcare providers under one roof to provide better health services to Queenslanders in regional, rural and remote communities. 

This Queensland Government initiative will deliver a super base that will be home to aircraft and resources for Retrieval Services Queensland, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), LifeFlight, and Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group. 

“Queensland is the most decentralised state in Australia, which means we rely on our aeromedical capabilities so much more. 

“Every person knows how important the Royal Flying Doctors Service and LifeFlight are, especially in regional Queensland, so I’m proud my government can deliver this new hub. 

“This is for all the patients these critical care service support, and all the hardworking staff who take flight to save lives every single day. 

“I will always back the frontline, and this investment is another demonstration of that commitment in action,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

The significant investment includes $217 million for the construction of an 18,700-square-metre multi-tenanted facility, with the remaining funding to be spent on operational costs until 2047. 

The Brisbane Airport Aeromedical Precinct will oversee patient aeromedical retrieval and transport, clinical and logistic coordination including statewide telehealth clinical and education support to rural and remote hospitals. 

“We rely on aeromedical services to move patients needing care across our vast state, and the Miles Labor Government is committed to supporting world-class care for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live. 

“The new Aeromedical Hub at Brisbane Airport will transform the aeromedical network, supporting the continued safe, reliable, and efficient systems to deliver timely access to healthcare, especially in rural, remote, and regional areas. 

“This is a game-changing investment and I’m so proud to be part of a government that continues to deliver for Queenslanders,” Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said. 

In addition, new patient transfer facilities will also be provided to safely care for people transitioning between aircraft and road ambulances. 

Other features of the built-for-purpose hub include state-of-the-art hangars for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, administration areas, and a medical base for regional patient and donor transfers. 

The new Aeromedical Precinct will be located between Brisbane Airport’s two runways at the Airport North Precinct, allowing for quick aerial access. 

“The Aeromedical Hub will co-locate Queensland Health’s statewide aeromedical services, ensuring a co-ordinated approach to delivering life-saving care. 

“The facility will have a purpose-built patient transfer facility to provide continued care for patients and optimise the efficient use of aeromedical assets by reducing the need to wait for ground transport during patient transfers in Brisbane,” Retrieval Services Queensland A/Executive Director Michael Cussen said. 

“By bringing all our partners together in a state-of-the-art precinct, with a patient transfer hub at its core, Queensland is setting a new standard in care. 

“This will also be the largest multi-tenanted property built by Brisbane Airport, and we’re delighted its sole purpose is to serve the people of Queensland, in every corner of the state,” Brisbane Airport Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said. 

This project is aiming for a 5 Star Green accreditation and includes a 400kW solar energy system. A cafe will also be provided where precinct staff can conveniently rest and recharge. 

ADCO Constructions was appointed to deliver the project, and the contractor is expected to complete construction of the Aeromedical Precinct in December 2026. 

The new Aeromedical Precinct is expected to create up to 150 on site construction jobs and see about 400 people working at the healthcare hub once it is up and running. 

“The RFDS (Queensland Section) team is excited to see construction begin on the new state-of-the-art Queensland Regional Aeromedical Base. 

“We look forward to the opening of the brand-new patient facility in the future which will enable further important collaboration with our partners in care including LifeFlight and Queensland Health,” Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said. 

“LifeFlight is delighted to join our Queensland aeromedical colleagues at what will become a premier super base to ensure we can collectively help more Queenslanders. 

“Thank you to the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport and our colleagues at Queensland Health – for their continued support,” LifeFlight Chief Operating Officer Lee Schofield said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Brisbane Airport (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; The Urban Developer