GROVELY AMBULANCE STATION REPLACEMENT SITE SECURED

Planning to maintain a high level of pre-hospital care in Brisbane’s North-West into the future is well underway, with the purchase of a site for a new ambulance station at Mitchelton.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts today announced the site, on the corner of Samford Rd and Kedron Ave, was purchased last month for $1,500,000 (excluding GST) and will replace the current station at Grovely.

State Member for Everton, Rod Welford MP, said the purchase was a clear demonstration of the Beattie Government’s commitment to providing the local community with first-class ambulance service delivery.

“This purchase is about planning for the future and making sure our resources are located where they can do the most good,” Mr Welford said.

”Queensland paramedics do such a great job in the community. I know this ambulance station will add to the safety and well-being of the residents of the area.”

State Member for Ferny Grove, Geoff Wilson MP, whose electorate borders the new site, said he was looking forward to an increased QAS presence in Mitchelton.

"The Grovely Station is reaching the end of its operational life and is located too close to a major set of traffic lights," Mr Wilson said.

Minister Wilson said that while the new site has been purchased, there is still plenty of work ahead before the station reaches practical completion, which is scheduled for June 2009.

"Construction will commence in the 2008-2009 financial year.

“The area is still adequately covered by the QAS, and once complete the new replacement station will join the new station at Samford, and the new one planned for Ashgrove, providing comprehensive coverage to the growing local area.”

Media contact: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571.

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976