Medical helicopters still unable to land at two regional hospitals in SA

Emergency helicopters remain unable to use the helipads at the regional hospitals in Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge. The sites are the final two to reopen after 13 regional helipads were temporarily closed in 2024 because they did not meet new Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines.

The helipads cannot be used until certified as safe by Babcock, the current operators of the MedSTAR helicopter service. Issues remain around the required downwash exclusion zone and the proximity of houses at Murray Bridge, and a community-run childcare centre at Victor Harbor.

The childcare centre is adjacent to the helipad in Victor Harbor and has a peppercorn lease in place with SA Health until 2030. Health Minister Blair Boyer said the issues at Murray Bridge were close to being resolved, but the situation at Victor Harbor was "complex" and would need a long-term solution.

Progress at Murray Bridge

Mr Boyer told state parliament last month there had been discussions with residents of Murray Bridge who "might be in a home that is in the downwash area" and that he "hoped to have positive news soon".

Uncertainty at Victor Harbor

Independent member for Finniss Lou Nicholson said it was her understanding the minister was trying to find a solution ahead of the lease expiry date. "If indeed the path ahead is finding a new location for the childcare centre, that work does need to be underway now," she said.

One Nation member for Hammond Robert Roylance raised the Murray Bridge helipad in parliament last month. While happy with indications it was closer to opening, he said his electorate wanted a clearer response. "Can we expect it in three months, six months? Soon is good, but what is soon?" he said.

In a statement, Mr Boyer said $23.4 million had been invested to upgrade regional helipads across the state to meet updated CASA requirements, and work continued to bring the two remaining sites back into operation. "Medical retrieval services remain available for the community and surrounding areas by utilising alternative sites nearby."

"Patient, staff and community safety remain the priority," he said.