The state government has announced it will provide $9.3 million dollars a year for the RAC Rescue Helicopter based in Bunbury to ensure the vital service continues well into the future.
The WA Nationals recently revealed there is no funding to continue the service beyond June 2018 but today's funding announcement ensures the helicopter is now properly funded.
The McGowan Government said it has worked to secure long-term funding for the helicopter in a tight budget environment and will allocate $27.9 million across the forward estimates.
Premier Mark McGowan said today's announcement underscores the importance this Government puts on vital regional infrastructure and provides certainty of service for the South West.
"I'm pleased that, for the first time, my Government has secured long-term funding for this important emergency service.
"Unfortunately this helicopter was only funded on a temporary basis by the previous Liberal National government - they left government with only 15 months of funding remaining.
"We've fixed that problem now and provided long-term funding to provide certainty for this life-saving service."
Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan said for the Liberals and National to try to claim this vital service was being scrapped with absolutely no evidence was highly irresponsible.
"Under the McGowan Government, the RAC South West Emergency Rescue Helicopter will remain a permanent service in the South West."
Last financial year, the helicopter transported 172 patients and since it began operating in February 2016, the helicopter has transported more than 283 patients.
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