The Central Highlands Regional Council strongly supports emergency medical services, with more than $40 000 in donations and waived fees offered last financial year.
Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said in 2015-16 council donated $10 000 each to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service.
Another $28 185 in landing fees were also waived for emergency medical services at the Emerald Airport.
‘Access to emergency medical care and transport is vital for our rural communities,’ the mayor said.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the support of these services in our region, so it is our absolute pleasure to be able to support them in return.’
Mark Fewtrell, executive director of the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service, said about 45% of their funding came from donations.
‘Donations are certainly appreciated by the service and they enable us to ensure we can look after people in the Central Highlands area,’ he said.
‘This year our operating costs will probably be about $6.5 million so every bit helps. The people of the Central Highlands are great supporters of the service and for that we thank them.’