Kurow residents are raising funds to build a helipad for medical emergencies.
Kurow Medical Centre practice manager Jules Elliot said the project had been under way for the past year.
The need had become more pressing with a noticeable rise in accidents and patients as tourism increased in the area.
At present, a helicopter could not safely land anywhere near the medical centre, she said.
Helicopters did use a nearby car park but it had loose shale and caused safety concerns for the helicopters, their crews and the patients being transported.
Helicopters usually landed at the local rugby ground, she said, but there were several issues with that, too.
"Not only does the ambulance have to go up there, but the fire engine has to go for lighting, and then the patient has to come from here to there.
"It's a lot of extra manhandling for the patient and it's a lot of extra emergency staff who get called out, and they don't need to be.''
The proposed site for the helipad was behind the Kurow Community Centre.
A consent application to build the helipad had been lodged and fundraising was well under way.
Mrs Elliot said the helipad would cost about $13,000.
"I think it's an extremely important asset for the community and extremely important for people who are sick and hurt. It will mean less delay and a better transition to the hospital.''
The helipad would provide emergency services with more options.
"Being able to quickly transfer someone is extremely important for us.''
