Queensland government to tender central rescue helicopter services
Queensland Health will hold a tender for a single helicopter rescue provider covering both Rockhampton and Mackay.
Two community-funded rescue helicopter services in central Queensland face an uncertain future. The state government wants to merge them into one operator.
CQ Rescue in Mackay and Capricorn Rescue in Rockhampton serve about 485,000 people combined and started 30 years ago through community gifts and fundraising. Rockhampton completed 633 missions in 2024, 25.
Mackay had 788 flights in 2025. Combined annual costs total more than $40 million.
About $25 million comes from government. The tender, coming in the coming months, seeks to get good value while ensuring fair competition.
- 485,000
- People served
- 633
- Rockhampton missions in 2024-25
- 788
- Mackay flights in 2025
- More than $40 million
- Combined annual costs
Why it mattersEmergency helicopter services for 485,000 people across central Queensland face potential disruption during the transition.
AustraliaResidents in Rockhampton, Mackay and surrounding regions depend on these helicopters for medical transport and search-and-rescue, so consolidation could affect response times.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
