The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides life-saving and vital medical transportation services to residents in the Callide Dawson Valleys.

But it would not be possible without the aerodromes maintained and operated by Banana Shire.

Banana Shire has six aerodromes used by the RFDS.

Last year the Flying Doctors touched down at these aerodromes 156 times, with 52 of those being at Theodore, 35 at Thangool, 33 at Moura, 25 at Taroom (which has two aerodromes that are used by the RFDS) and 11 at Baralaba.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said this was just another example of the vital services Council provided for the benefit of its residents.

“These aerodromes ensure that the Flying Doctors can land and take off safely, ensuring that patients needing emergency medical care have access to the facilities they need,” Cr Ferrier said.

“Council will spend $904,896 to maintain these aerodromes during the 2020/21 financial year.

“This is a large financial contribution, but these aerodromes are important community assets and essential for lifesaving services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the aerial ambulance service and Angel Flight”