The new helipad at the Launceston General Hospital has reached an exciting milestone with the installation of nine steel helideck sections, as part of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future.

The sections, measuring nine meters by nine meters and weighing seven tonnes each, will form the final landing platform.

Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, welcomed the milestone, the culmination of a year’s worth of design, coordination and detailed risk assessments.

“We’re on track for completion in the middle of the year as part of our commitment to ensure Tasmanians can receive the right healthcare, at the right place, at the right time,” said Minister Barnett.

“Once the modules are installed, work will continue installing perimeter safety netting, plumbing and electrical systems to create an operational helipad.

“Once operational, this vital infrastructure will support Tasmania’s health professionals in providing the very best in emergency medical care, allowing the transport of patients in need of urgent intervention by helicopter directly to and from the LGH.”

The modules are being transported from Haywards Steel Fabrication near the Launceston Airport between 10pm and 4am early this week to minimise traffic disruption.

The modules are being lifted into position on top of the Cleveland St car park by the on-site tower crane and installed on the helipad substructure.

Assembling the helipad modules supported 35 jobs at Haywards, while the overall project has supported 240 jobs at Vos Construction and Joinery.