Emerald
RFDS PATIENT TRANSFER FACILITY
- Our Projects
GBA Proudly Supporting a Transformational Community Health Project
At GBA, we believe the strongest projects are built through genuine collaboration—and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Aeromedical Transfer Facility is a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities, partners and technical experts work side‑by‑side.
The new facility, which includes an innovative aircraft drive‑through aeromedical transfer facility and an emergency treatment pod, has been intentionally designed to improve emergency patient transfers in all weather conditions. This infrastructure represents a significant step forward for patient safety, comfort and life‑saving response capability across Central Queensland.
The project continues to progress thanks to the commitment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Rotary Club of Emerald and Central Highlands Regional Council—organisations that have worked together to secure funding, capture the community’s story and champion this essential regional health asset.
Our Role in a Shared Vision
GBA is honoured to have been involved from the very beginning, contributing financially, providing detailed technical cost and feasibility advice, and now leading Project Management and Contract Administration services. Our approach has always centred on community benefit—ensuring this facility supports the people of Central Queensland and the vital work of the RFDS, now and long into the future.
GBA Partner Patrick Cullivan reflects on why this project matters so deeply:
“Sitting on that asphalt in 40‑plus degree heat, with the sun beating down on you, is less than ideal… and there is not a lot of privacy as well.”
“GBA was involved in finding a solution that genuinely benefits the community we serve, and supports the important work of the RFDS long into the future. Assessing what we had—could we keep it, did we have to replace it—asking these questions from the very first sketch. From there, we gained a clearer picture of what needed to be done and how to carry it through to construction.”
His words capture the heart of our involvement: practical, thoughtful, community-driven engineering.
Partnerships That Strengthen Regional Australia
Our longstanding relationships with organisations like RFDS and Rotary and clients like Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) continue to be a source of pride. Their commitment to improving the well-being of people in regional and remote areas aligns strongly with GBA’s values. Together, we are helping deliver infrastructure that makes a meaningful difference.
The project’s Vision Video—created by CHRC, to showcase the early vision and support fundraising efforts—remains an important tool for RFDS and Rotary as they progress their contribution to the facility.
To learn more about the vital work the Royal Flying Doctor Service delivers for communities across Australia, we invite you to visit: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au
GBA looks forward to celebrating future milestones as the project advances and to seeing the lasting positive impact this facility will have on patients, families and frontline medical teams throughout Central Queensland.
Ready to Work with Engineers Who Understand Your Community?
With our proven expertise, GBA delivers projects that work – we design better outcomes for Queensland’s regional and remote communities.
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Let’s make it a real rural success.
- 07 4651 5177
- admin@gbaengineers.com.au