Media 2008-04-22 South-West Helicopter

PRESS RELEASE: South-West Helicopter - DLP thanks Govt

22 April 2008

Peter Kavanagh MLC for Western Victoria said today, " I congratulate and thank the Victorian government for finally agreeing to implement a rescue helicopter service for Western Victoria."

"Congratulations are also due to all those who worked successfully for this outcome. Keith Meerbach and Dominique Fowler are among many people who devoted great time and effort to introduce this essential service," Mr Kavanagh said.

"Denis Napthine, John Vogels, David Koch and Hugh Delahunty were all active in the campaign. Over the last year and a half I have also worked to achieve this outcome," Mr Kavanagh said. (please see Hansard reports attached below)

"The rescue helicopter service will benefit the sick and injured in Western Victoria. By decreasing the time required to obtain specialist care it will save lives and reduce pain and suffering. As I have pointed out many times, Western Victoria should never have been the only region of the state to be without a dedicated rescue helicopter service," Mr Kavanagh said.

For further comment please call Peter Kavanagh, DLP Member for Western Victoria, on 03 5222 1503.