Central Queensland rescue helicopters face uncertain future as government seeks single provider

Rescue helicopter services in central Queensland face an uncertain future as the state government seeks a single provider in Mackay and Rockhampton.

The community-funded CQ Rescue in Mackay and Capricorn Rescue in Rockhampton provide emergency care to a combined population of about 485,000. Both services were founded by their communities through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events, along with state government contributions.

According to a pre-tender document, the government is now seeking a single operator to provide emergency helicopter services for the entire central Queensland region. The document noted that the tender aimed to achieve "achieving value for Queensland and taxpayers' money and ensuring fair and open competition".

The successful group would be expected to provide aeromedical patient transport, search-and-rescue services and support law enforcement and other government agencies as required. Queensland Health and Ambulance Service declined to comment.

30 years of service

Both services took their first flights 30 years ago. CQ Rescue director and Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said moves to start a rescue helicopter began in 1992 after a run of road crashes.

"A couple of Mackay doctors recognised the fact that we really needed to have a helicopter rescue service," Cr Williamson said. "Those two guys persuaded us to gather all of the community leaders … it was really just a local drive."

"There have been lots and lots of lives saved."

Local control

Cr Williamson said he supported a single contract but wanted the rescue services to remain locally controlled.

"Both Rockhampton and Mackay, we want to keep it local, and we're prepared to work with each other to do that," he said. "I would hate to see some large organisation, national or otherwise, come in and take it over."

A vital service

Mirani MP Glen Kelly said there was no risk of the helicopter rescue service being wound down.

"Without it, the bush would be buggered, because that's our ambulance," he said. "They're a god from the skies."

A personal thank you

Whitsundays mother Tess Salmond credits CQ Rescue and Proserpine Hospital staff for saving the life of her seven-year-old son, Peter, last April.

He was flown to the Townsville University Hospital's paediatric intensive care unit when a viral infection affected his breathing.

"It all escalated very, very fast, as often these things do unfold," Dr Salmond said. "We were literally in the air within about half an hour to Townsville."

"Proserpine to Townsville in under 45 minutes for a child that can't breathe felt like a lifetime, but I was just so incredibly grateful that it was available to us."

The Rockhampton service flew 633 missions in 2024–25, while Mackay reported 788 flights in the 2025 calendar year. The combined operating costs for both services were more than $40 million in 2025, about $25 million of which came from the Queensland government.