What’s happening?
A new helipad is planned for Biloela to give emergency crews a closer landing site near town.
The project follows changes to CASA safety rules, which meant a new compliant site had to be found.
Terry Zillman, officer in charge of Biloela Ambulance Station, said a consultant reviewed possible locations before the current site was selected.
He said, “What the helipad here represents is a closer alternative for us to Thangool Airport.”
Mr Zillman said the site was chosen because it met the new rules and offered long-term value.
He said it was “the most appropriate and compliant with all the new regulations” and also exceeds them, which would help “future-proof” the site.
He also said the land is well suited to the project.
“The land that’s available here is ideal site. It’s in town, it’s away from flood areas, and during disasters, we’ll be able to land here, no troubles at all,” he said.
Early work has already begun. The site has been surveyed, soil testing has been done, and design plans are the next step before construction starts.
Why it matters?
The helipad would give emergency crews a safer and faster landing option closer to town.
That matters most for patients needing urgent care.
Mr Zillman said, “Every minute that we can save gives that patient a better chance of survival and a better outcome.”
He said the site also improves safety for air crews and patients.
“What it does is it gives an alternate landing site in the event of an engine failure, and that’s what the safety regulations are all about, making sure that everyone on board is safe,” he said.
Recent flooding also showed why a local option matters. Mr Zillman said ambulances could not access Thangool Airport during the east coast low two weeks earlier.
Local Impact
The project is being driven by strong community support, with fundraising, donated work and local backing helping move it forward.
Mr Zillman said, “The funding has come through the most incredible community of Biloela.”
He said last year’s Joel Weeks Memorial Bowls Day raised “in excess of $77,000 in one afternoon of bowls”.
“It just shows you what this community really, the spirit of this community is second to none,” he said.
Matthew Weeks said the support has kept growing since that fundraiser.
He said, “It doesn’t matter if it was this tragedy or something else, the community binds together.”
“And that’s what makes this place special,” he said.
Mr Weeks said the project is about the health and well-being of the community and will help many people in the future.
He also said a committee has now been formed and a legacy fund has been registered in Joel Weeks’ name to support bigger community projects.
By the numbers
- The current helicopter transfer setup can tie up a Biloela ambulance for about an hour. That includes four separate 15-minute trips between town and Thangool Airport.
- The proposed helipad site is only about five minutes away. That shorter travel time could cut delays for urgent patients and free up ambulances sooner.
- More than $77,000 was raised in one afternoon at last year’s Joel Weeks Memorial Bowls Day. That fundraiser gave the helipad project a major early boost.
- The helipad is planned as a 27 by 27 square metre concrete pad with a concrete apron for ambulance access. The smoother surface is intended to help patients with trauma or spinal injuries.
Zoom In
Mr Zillman said the site was chosen for both safety and practicality.
He said it is in town, away from flood areas and suitable during disasters.
He also said the approach and departure distances offer strong safety benefits.
“When we look at the approach and departure distances that this site here offers, that’s incredible safety,” he said.
The design also considers patient comfort. Ambulances will be able to drive onto a smooth concrete apron, which is important for patients in pain or with serious injuries.
The site will also be protected by safety bollards to stop unauthorised vehicle access.
Zoom Out
For those behind the project, the helipad is also about legacy.
Mr Weeks said the support has become so strong that a formal committee and legacy fund have now been set up.
He said this would allow the group to aim for bigger community projects in future.
The finished helipad is also expected to include a sign recognising Joel Weeks and every sponsor who helped fund it.
Mr Weeks said, “Everybody that’s contributed to this wonderful helipad here will be recognised.”
What To Look For Next?
Mr Zillman said the aim is to get the project finished properly and safely.
He said, “We really want this project to come to fruition and have the first helicopter land here as soon as possible.”
“But the main thing is we want to be safe and do it right the first time,” he said.
The team is now working towards the day Rescue 300 from Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service can land at the new Biloela site.
