Community Forum About Future of RFDS Plane

Mount Isa residents are invited to attend a community forum to put forward their ideas for what they would like to see happen to the former Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) plane on display in George McCoy Park.

Council has organised the forum to hear from members of the public, following discussions with Cloncurry Shire Council about the possibility of relocating the plane to Cloncurry, which is recognised as the home of the RFDS and is the location of the John Flynn Place museum.

The forum will be held in the Council Chambers at 23 West Street on Thursday, March 25, from 5.30pm.

To register your interest to attend the community consultation session, fill out the form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/9C22CZZ

The RFDS began in Cloncurry in 1928 as the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service, which eventually became the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The RFDS plane at George McCoy Park – a restored de Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover that is actually made up of the wreckages of two planes – was donated to Council about 40 years ago but is now in poor condition and poses a public safety concern.

Mayor Danielle Slade said Council wanted to hear from Mount Isa residents as to what they would prefer to see happen to the aircraft and/or the site itself.

“Unfortunately, due to the plane’s disrepair and ongoing safety concerns, it can no longer remain in its current condition for the long term,” Cr Slade said.

“While the relocation of the aircraft to Cloncurry to preserve it for future generations has been suggested, there are other options available – including keeping it where it is and continuing to maintain it – so we would like to know what the community thinks.”