Central Goldfields Shire has confirmed it intends to lease part of the Maryborough Aerodrome to Ambulance Victoria for the purpose of an aeromedical transfer station for 21 years.

The council’s intention is now on public notice and is open for public submission until February 5.

Maryborough Ambulance Auxiliary president Dianne Mullins said it had been a long process, but it was coming to fruition and “it’ll all be worth waiting for”.

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Mrs Mullins said an aeromedical transfer station would provide patients and paramedics a safe, secure and more comfortable environment, out of the elements.

She said this would improve health outcomes for residents of Maryborough and communities of the surrounding area.

Regional director of Air Ambulance Victoria operations, Simon Thomson, said Ambulance Victoria used the Maryborough airport already, and a new transfer station would improve the service.

“Having these facilitates improves health and safety for our staff and comfort for our patients,” Mr Thomson said.

“We are pleased that the council has agreed to progress the proposed lease of the land at the airport and welcome the opportunity for public consultation with the local community.”

Once the consultation period has ended, the Maryborough Ambulance Auxiliary will launch its official fundraising efforts for the station.

Mrs Mullins said there were already some donations and pledges of support made.

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The auxiliary is seeking not only monetary donations, but offers of goods, services and labour to bring the building to fruition.

While the final cost had not yet been confirmed, Mrs Mullins said the new facility would likely come in at above $100,000.

She hoped the community would pull together in the fundraising effort for the transfer station, as it did 100 years ago when Maryborough was getting money together to purchase the town’s first ambulance.

Central Goldfield Shire’s proposed lease agreement would see Ambulance Victoria lease a 408 square metre site at the aerodrome for $104 plus GST each year, for a total of three seven-year terms.

Any resident wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 5pm, February 5. Those who want to speak on their submission at a meeting on February 12 must include this request in their submission.

Submissions must be marked ‘Submission – Maryborough Aerodrome Leases’ and sent to submissions@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au, the council’s Nolan Street office, or PO Box 194, Maryborough 3465.

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