A dedicated emergency services transfer facility and apron has officially been opened at Busselton-Margaret River airport in south west Australia for aeromedical operator Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and St John WA crews.

The new facility is located away from the main airport terminal, meaning RFDS flights are not interrupting, or interrupted by, growing commercial activity at the airport. The insulated facility also offers greater privacy to patients and protection from the elements. It was jointly funded by the Federal Government, as part of the Regional Airports Program, and the City of Busselton.

The RFDS's Rio Tinto LifeFlight PC-24 jets, Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and Fortescue Heli-Med Service helicopters will all use the new dedicated apron.

RFDS co-head of medical Dr Roberto Radici says the facility, which has a kitchenette and bathroom, allows for improved patient care and comfort: "We're not holding up the air traffic at the airport, we're reducing the time of transit for a patient and we can do the movement from ambulance stretcher onto our own stretchers in a space that's enclosed.

"Sometimes we do need to give extra treatment on the ground before we can get airborne, and this is an ideal space to do that."

RFDS director of operations Scott Higgins says: "RFDS landed at Busselton airport 223 times in 2023 so we welcome this fit-for-purpose precinct, which will accommodate our Rio Tinto LifeFlight PC-24 jets, RFDS Fortescue Heli-Med Service helicopters and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The nature of the work we do in partnership with St John WA is complex and this will remove the risk of disruption by commercial activity and create privacy for our patients."

St John WA head of country ambulance Karen Stewart adds: "St John works closely with RFDS WA to ensure the best outcomes for regional patients, and we're pleased to have been able to successfully support this new airport facility, which includes a much needed patient transfer building for ambulance."

City of Busselton acting mayor Anne Ryan says: "The dedicated facility was much needed and timely. Busselton Margaret River airport's flight services have continued to evolve with an ongoing increase in passenger and FIFO flights. This increased airside activity meant that the central apron was often allocated or full, which impacted access for essential medical services.

"RFDS and St John WA often work under immense pressure, and time is critical in emergency situations. This project has been a wonderful opportunity for the City to directly support both of these services and alleviate some this pressure."

Senator Louise Pratt states: "The Albanese Labour Government is proud to support both the RFDS and the Busselton airport with this $214,073 grant from the Regional Airport Program. We recognise the critical work of the RFDS in conjunction with St John WA and the important role played by the Busselton Margaret River airport in facilitating better outcomes for regional patients. We also know that upgrades like this create jobs, keep communities connected and ultimately leave a lasting legacy. It is our pleasure to support these great organisations in continuing lifesaving work for regional Western Australians."