Kurow is closer to being able to provide prompt hospital attention for car crash victims and people suffering intense trauma.
The Waitaki District Council voted on Wednesday to approve a lease of the Kurow Recreation Reserve to the Kurow Medical Centre for use as an emergency helipad, under four conditions.
The pad would be subject to public notification, obtaining a resource consent, keeping to proposed lease provisions, and meeting Civil Aviation Authority requirements.
Practice manager Jules Elliot said there was still a lot of work to do, including producing an environmental effect report, but she was pleased with the progress achieved at the meeting.
"We’ve still got to get everyone on board, like neighbouring properties."
She believed the helipad would save lives.
"It could be a matter of life or death for somebody.
"The quicker you can get them to the hospital, the more chance you have at saving a life."
In a letter to the council, the medical centre said the present situation, where an emergency helicopter landed at the Kurow rugby grounds and patients were taken there by ambulance from the medical centre created a lot of extra handling and distress for the patient.
The helipad would be concrete, 12metres in diameter and have eight omnidirectional inset lights.
The lease term was 33 years, with no right of renewal.
Rent was to be $1 per annum, if demanded.
