Finniss MP David Basham has called on the state government to start using the new helipad at the South Coast District Hospital as quickly as possible.

“I am pleased to see the new helipad and hospital car park are nearly complete. However, I am concerned that the helipad won’t be operational until the new Emergency Department is at the lockup stage.”

“Earlier this month, the MedSTAR helicopter landed on the hockey oval while the sprinklers were going. Not an ideal situation.”

The previous Liberal Government, in 2021, committed to upgrading MedSTAR helicopters to a larger aircraft fleet as well as committing to upgrading regional helipad, including the Victor Harbor Helipad.

Mr Basham says the current state government lost focus on prioritising patient needs on the Fleurieu when they took over.

“Instead of getting things finished quickly, the Government wasted $56,463 of taxpayers’ money by hot paving an area for dust mitigation, only for it to be ripped up less than nine months later.”

Mr Basham says thanks must go to the Victor Harbor Hockey Club, the Encounter Bay Hockey Club, Encounter Bay Football Club, Encounter Bay Cricket Club and Investigator College for making their ovals available for landings during the build.

He says credit must also go to Rotary Victor Harbor. “They built the original helipad for $6,500 in 1986 using money raised by the Victor Harbor Art Show.”

Mr Basham says the Government needs to act to open the new helipad as a matter of urgency.

“Rescue helicopters and MedSTAR play a vital role for serious emergencies. The Finniss community and emergency responders deserve better than a wet and muddy football oval in a crisis situation.”

The almost completed helipad at South Coast District Hospital.