NSW has released the first designs for new regional ambulance helicopter bases planned for Moruya and Wagga Wagga, as work continues to expand the state’s aeromedical network.
The two facilities will be the first of three new regional bases to be delivered, with planning for a third base at Port Macquarie also progressing.
The program will expand the NSW Ambulance helicopter network from six bases to nine, improving aeromedical coverage across rural and regional communities.
Moruya and Wagga Wagga First to Be Delivered
The new Moruya and Wagga Wagga bases are planned to be located at their respective local airports.
Subject to planning approval and appointment of a building contractor, construction at both locations is expected to begin in early 2027.
Each base will include:
- a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities
- mission-planning and operational workspaces
- staff training and amenities
- fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
- a dedicated road retrieval ambulance.
The facilities are being planned and delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with NSW Ambulance.
Aeromedical Network to Expand to Nine Bases
NSW Ambulance currently operates 13 helicopters from six bases at Bankstown, Wollongong, Orange, Belmont near Newcastle, Lismore and Tamworth.
Once the new Moruya, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie facilities are operating, the statewide network will increase to nine helicopter bases.
NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams currently undertake more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year, responding to incidents including major medical emergencies, road crashes and natural disasters.
NSW Ambulance’s 2024–25 annual review recorded 4,948 helicopter missions and 4,235 patients transported during that financial year, highlighting the scale of the existing aeromedical service.
Regional Access a Key Focus
The expansion is intended to reduce travel times for specialist emergency teams and improve access to critical care in regional and remote areas.
Regional aeromedical teams can respond either by helicopter or road retrieval ambulance depending on factors including patient location, weather and aircraft availability.
The Moruya base is also expected to strengthen links between aeromedical services and hospitals on the Far South Coast, including the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.
Planning for all three new bases remains underway, with further construction and delivery details to be released as approvals progress.
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