Portfolio — 7 April 2026

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Ms Catherine King, announced a $21 million joint redevelopment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service base at Launceston Airport — the centrepiece of today's ministerial activity [TA-260407-infras-8ce6371331ef:m224102]. The Australian Government contributes $15 million through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, with the Tasmanian Government providing the remaining $6 million [TA-260407-infras-8ce6371331ef:m224102].

The investment replaces a base that has been operating since 1998 and will substantially expand service capacity: the new facility will handle both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, ground vehicle transfers, and broadened clinical services — including mental health, dental and general practitioner care — reaching rural and remote communities across Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands [TA-260407-infras-8ce6371331ef:m224102].

On employment, the government projects up to 62 full-time jobs during construction and up to 41 ongoing healthcare positions once the base is operational [TA-260407-infras-8ce6371331ef:m224102]. The Minister framed the announcement against a recent parallel commitment — the completion of an RFDS hangar in Mount Isa — signalling a deliberate cross-jurisdictional pattern of investment in rural aeromedical infrastructure rather than a one-off capital allocation.

The dual framing of healthcare access and local job creation is consistent with the government's stated approach under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, which targets regional communities with compounded service disadvantage. No parliamentary segment is present for this date; the record is drawn entirely from the ministerial media release.