Funding sends remote health clinic off to flying start

The Albanese Labor Government will invest $1 million to support the development of a new purpose-built remote health clinic at William Creek in South Australia, in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the South Australian Government.

The William Creek Community Health Service will provide a clinical setting for the RFDS to deliver its existing fly-in primary health consultations, and will include an emergency space for critically ill patients awaiting transfer to a major hospital.

It will also use innovative telehealth technology to connect local patients with RFDS services, as well as critical first responder advice in emergencies outside of the fly-in clinic hours.

Construction of the facility is expected to be complete by the end of this year, and will mean that residents and tourists of the remote community will no longer need to travel two hours to their nearest health service.

Construction of the clinic is jointly funded, with $1 million from the Albanese Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and additional funding from the RFDS.

Further information is available at: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“Your postcode shouldn’t determine whether you have access to healthcare, which is why I’m proud that our Government is investing $1 million towards this vital RFDS project in remote South Australia.

“These enhanced services, to be delivered by the RFDS, will provide an added level of comfort to the William Creek community, and will also play a key role in providing confidence to thousands of tourists that visit the local area each year.

“Our $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is doing so much more than delivering lasting infrastructure - it’s creating new employment opportunities, growing local economies, and ensuring our regional and remote communities thrive.”

Quotes attributable to South Australia Minister for Local Government and Regional Roads, and Member for Stuart, the Hon Geoff Brock MP:

“It’s fantastic to have this investment from the Australian Government into our outback communities of South Australia. 

“The RFDS is a lifeline for many communities in SA’s Far North, especially those who are hours from medical help.

“The nearest health clinic to William Creek is located more than two hours’ drive on dirt roads. 

“This new facility will have an immediate life-changing impact on the community by overcoming this tyranny of distance.”

Quotes attributable to South Australia Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Clare Scriven MLC:

“Our outback communities rely on the vital services of the RFDS, and our vision is to continue to ensure our regional towns are better places to live and work for all residents and visitors. 

“It’s wonderful that the State Government is working with the Federal Government, OCA and the RFDS, so together we can deliver and improve essential services for outback communities.”