World-class aviation training facility coming to Bundaberg
A Bundaberg construction company will begin works on a multimillion-dollar RFDS precinct, which will hold the only simulator of its kind in Australia.
Bundaberg
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bundaberg. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The sod was officially turned on a world-class RFDS training centre, which will house a training simulator unique to the Southern Hemisphere.
The new facility will be built alongside existing RFDS and Life Flight centres at the Bundaberg Airport and will house the only Beechcraft King Air Pro Line Fusion Full-Flight Simulator in the country.
As the country comes into what is predicted to be a wet and wild summer, the RFDS will prove instrumental in helping those affected by natural disasters.
This new facility will train RFDS pilots from across the country, each spending at least two weeks in the centre as part of yearly training requirements.
Pilots from across Queensland, wider Australia and the Pacific are expected to make use of the new facility, with at least 81 pilots coming through Bundaberg yearly.
The $25.3 million dollar facility was jointly funded with a $3m donation from the QCoal Foundation and $14.9m from the Australian Government.
RFDS CEO Meredith Staib said the turning of the sod was an important day for the organisation.
“This purpose-built facility will play a vital role as we head towards 100 years of the Flying Doctor, with innovative aviation and training technology on our doorstep,” she said.
Representatives from the RFDS, Q Coal Foundation, the Bundaberg Council and the Australian Government participated in a traditional smoking ceremony as part of the official groundbreaking event.
Division 5 Councillor Greg Barnes said he was proud the Bundaberg Council could donate the land to the project which helps hundreds of regional Queenslanders every year.
Construction company Murchie Constructions won the prestigious tender for the centre which will employ Bundaberg builders in the project.
“As a local, family-owned business, we’re proud to have been awarded the contract to deliver this facility,” managing director Andrew Murchie said.
QCoal Foundation CEO Sylvia Bhatia said it was a great opportunity to see the region grow.
“We are pleased to see a local contractor awarded this project and look forward to watching the progress of construction,” she said.
Tributes flow for businessman killed in alleged hit-and-run
Tributes are flowing for a beloved businessman who was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run near Bundaberg over the weekend.
Heartbreak as family’s ‘dream home’ razed by inferno
The family of a popular couple influential in Australia’s horsing and cattle industry whose home was destroyed in a devastating fire, have spoken about the extraordinary efforts to try to save the rural property.