AGL Energy announces naming sponsorship of Helicopter Rescue Service 

31 March 2009

AGL Energy Ltd (AGL), Australia’s largest integrated renewable energy company, today announced that it would be the new naming sponsor of the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service.

AGL Managing Director, Michael Fraser, said that the deal has secured the ongoing operations of the rescue service which undertakes critical rescue, medical and search missions throughout south east Queensland.

“This sponsorship over three years will also see the 30 year old rescue service undergo a major facelift to become “AGL Action Rescue” commencing tomorrow April 1,” Mr Fraser said.

“Queensland is a state of vital importance to AGL. In addition to a retail customer base totalling almost 450,000, AGL has a number of large upstream gas and generation projects either in operation or under investment consideration in Queensland. 

“The name “AGL Action Rescue” will become synonymous with how quick action saves lives. AGL is delighted to be able to help protect a truly Queensland service that’s so vital to the communities we operate in. The rescue service completes over 900 missions every year and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

“The most obvious feature of AGL Action Rescue will be the striking new AGL blue and orange livery on the aircraft and we are confident that these colours will quickly become familiar across south east Queensland and synonymous with trust and action and rapid response,” Mr Fraser said.

AGL Action Rescue will continue to service Queensland communities primarily from Brisbane north to Miriam Vale and west through the Wide Bay and Burnett regions, with some tasks extending to Northern NSW and west to Miles and Goondiwindi.”

By July the AGL Action Rescue fleet will include three Kawasaki BK117 twin engine helicopters capable of flying from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane in approximately 20 minutes. The specially fitted aircraft include ambulance style rear doors and the ability to carry two stretcher patients.

AGL Action Rescue Chairman, Don Moffatt, said he was delighted to welcome a new sponsoring partner.

“Not only is AGL providing us with regular funding to ensure our ongoing operations, but its customers can also donate to the helicopter service by nominating contributions from their AGL account,” Mr Moffatt said.

“The Helicopter Rescue Service has worked hard over the last few years to increase its capability in servicing the people of south east Queensland through programs to obtain upgraded helicopters and equipment.

“This is a new era for the Service and we are delighted that AGL has come on board to help us continue to provide professional, safe and free aero-medical services for the community.

“AGL is an organisation with a distinguished history and is well known for putting back into the community. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with AGL and continuing the great work of the Helicopter Rescue Service well into the future.

“As we move into a new era for the Service, it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on the great support we have received from Energex over the last 15 years. Without their support we would definitely not have achieved the goals we have.”

The community will be able to obtain a close look at the AGL Action Rescue helicopters on April 14 when the service is officially launched in Cotton Tree Park on The Esplanade at Cotton Tree from 10.00am.

The event will include viewing a helicopter and demonstration rescue winch operation from the nearby water channel.