Helipad set for Geraldine

The Geraldine Volunteer Fire Brigade has been given the green light to construct a permanent emergency helipad.

The pad is to be constructed in the Geraldine Domain directly behind the fire station on Talbot St.

Project convener Grant Stephens said having a dedicated emergency helipad in the town offered the community a resilient infrastructure.

"Not only for emergency healthcare, but for other essential times of need, such as natural disasters when other transport links are damaged."

Mr Stephens said the main push for it was having a designated place for helicopters to land, so all emergency service organisations in the area would know its location.

He said a permanent helipad enabled pilots to use Instrument Flight Rules, which allowed night-time use and guidance during poor weather conditions.

It also meant, eventually, volunteers would not have to wake up at 2am to prepare a landing zone when one was required.

He said they were hoping to raise $48,000, which would cover earthmoving and construction costs.

Fundraising organiser Matt Anderson said any donations from the community would be "greatly received and appreciated".

Mr Anderson said the proximity to the fire station, the new medical centre, and St John’s station made the chosen site an ideal location.

He said it was a Geraldine Volunteer Fire Brigade project, so leftover funds would go towards the general upkeep of the helipad.

"It’s for the benefit of the community."

To contribute to this project organisers have set up an account with the Westpac Bank called "Emergency Helipad Fund".