THE petition calling for the Portland District Health helipad to be reopened is attracting considerable interest within the community, however the Member for South-West Coast Roma Britnell is urging more Portlanders to get behind the push.

Ms Britnell’s office has indicated that thus far more than 750 people have signed the petitions which are available outside a number of local businesses, but with another month before the petition is set to be tabled in parliament there is still more time for those interested to get behind it.

“It’s a vital, lifesaving service for Portland and district lives, yet for the last 15 months it has remained closed forcing locals to endure an additional 14-kilometre road trip to and from the Portland airport.” Ms Britnell said.

“These are delays that can cost lives in the event of an emergency… that’s why I am urging locals to get behind this petition calling for the Minister to re-open the helipad.”

The helipad has now been closed for over 15 months, with Ms Britnell saying she has pursued answers through a number of different channels but is yet to be provided with an explanation for why the helipad was closed.

The local businesses hosting include Smith’s Showcase Jewellers, Portland Newsagency, Matt’s Lotto, Sports Power, South Portland Pharmacy, Heywood Bakery and Caremore Pharmacy Heywood.