THE HAPPY Valley community has celebrated the official opening of a new concrete helipad, a vital enhancement to the island’s emergency response infrastructure. 

The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, emergency services personnel, and community members, marking the culmination of years of dedicated effort.

Constructed by the Happy Valley Community Association Inc. and led by community champions Scott Bell and Darren Gorlick, the project was made possible through funding from the RACQ Foundation. 

David Lee MP for Hervey Bay officially opened the facility, joined by Cr John Wieland, the Anderson Family, and other key figures.

A special tribute honoured the late Marion Anderson, whose commitment to the project is commemorated with a plaque along the pathway leading to the helipad, now named “Marion’s Way.” 

Marion was the inaugural president of the Fraser Island Local Ambulance Committee and instrumental in driving the project forward.

The new helipad replaces the original grass landing site, which was outside Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) land boundaries and unsuitable for modern aircraft such as LifeFlight’s heavier AW139 helicopters. 

The upgrade ensures compliance with CASA standards and significantly improves safety for pilots, paramedics, medical staff, and patients.

This community-driven initiative reflects decades of collaboration between Happy Valley, Hervey Bay, and the Queensland Ambulance Service, dating back to the 1980s when Fraser Island’s increasing visitor numbers highlighted the need for a local ambulance service. 

The original Fraser Island Ambulance Centre, a Rotary Club project, opened in 1991 and gained permanent status in 2010.

The helipad is strategically positioned next to Happy Valley’s Emergency Assembly Area, enhancing emergency evacuation capabilities and supporting firefighting operations. 

With over 500,000 visitors annually, this infrastructure upgrade is crucial for timely medical evacuations and disaster management.

The project stands as a testament to local dedication, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of individuals like Marion Anderson and Phil Switzer, whose contributions have shaped Fraser Island’s emergency services for decades.