New rooftop helipad to speed up emergency care in Hervey Bay

STATE Member for Hervey Bay Mr David Lee announced that the frame and decking is now complete on the rooftop helipad on the ED building at the Hervey Bay Hospital.

Mr Lee said the vital piece of infrastructure had been made possible through the Hervey Bay Hospital expansion project.

“Construction of Hervey Bay Hospital’s new rooftop helipad, being delivered
as part of the $94 million expansion project, has reached a major milestone with the frame and decking now fully complete,” said Mr Lee.

The infrustructure “Over the coming months, the project team will focus on installing advanced lighting and integrated firefighting systems, ensuring the helipad meets the highest safety and operational standards,” Mr Lee said.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the new rooftop helipad – the first for the region – would play a vital role in speeding up medical responses and enabling the safe and efficient transport of critically unwell patients.

“During emergencies, every minute counts, and having access to a rooftop helipad will ensure all patients requiring aeromedical transfer receive the necessary care without delay,” Ms Carroll said.

“The helipad will have direct access from the rooftop to our Emergency Department (ED) and new intensive care unit (ICU) when it opens via a large, priority elevator, also known as a ‘hot lift’.

“Currently, patients arriving via our ground-level helipad must be transferred about 120 metres outdoors, exposed to the elements during transit, to reach our ED building.

“Once operational, the new rooftop helipad will reduce that distance to around 35 metres, with a direct, enclosed vertical connection to the ED, ICU, and other inpatient units.”

Peter Heath, WBHHS Executive Director, Capital Projects said the helipad’s high-strength aluminum frame was much lighter than traditional steel and offered better corrosion resistance, which was an important advantage given Hervey Bay’s coastal climate.

“It’s 485 sqm, weighs about 39 tonnes and can accommodate around 18.5 tonnes of weight,” Peter said.

“The helipad’s integrated lighting system sits flush with the deck, eliminating trip hazards and avoiding the need for light poles that could interfere with airspace.”

“It’s also equipped with built-in fire safety measures that activate automatically if needed, ensuring the highest level of protection for patients and emergency crews.”

“I commend the project team for successfully juggling the logistics of coordinating the use of ‘Wayne the Crane’ to lift materials onto the rooftop, while simultaneously progressing internal fitout works.”

To mark the milestone, a timelapse video has been released, showcasing the complexity and teamwork behind this vital addition to the hospital’s infrastructure.

The project also includes installing an additional internal lift next year, providing extra vertical transport to the roof.

This important upgrade must be finished before the helipad opens in the second half of 2026.