South Burnett Regional Council Supports LifeFlight and their lifesaving Service
South Burnett Regional Council commenced the Community Rescue and Evacuation separate charge on 1 July 2010 and from this date up until 30 June 2023 South Burnett ratepayers, through this initiative,
have generously donated $736,614.26 to LifeFlight and the lifesaving service they provide to the South Burnett Region.
LifeFlight provide a vital service and many residents can be thankful for the swift transfer to a major hospital in the case of an emergency. The Community Rescue and Evacuation special charge was introduced in 2010 to assist these services that rely heavily on donations to continue operation. Since the introduction of the charge, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue has provided assistance to the South Burnett with an excess of 2,349 flights to those in need, with a cost of approximately $25,000 per flight. These flights come at no cost to the patients.
The Community Rescue and Evacuation separate charge is currently a $5 levy on all rate assessments. In Council’s opinion, it is more appropriate to raise funds by a separate charge rather than from general funds to ensure the community is aware of the Council’s commitment to ensure ongoing support for the vital community service. It also considers the benefit is shared equally by all rateable parcels of land regardless of their value.
Please direct any enquiries to Council by phone 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.
