Minister opens new ambulance station at Babinda

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt have opened a new ambulance station at Babinda in Far North Queensland.

At a cost of $1,274,043, Mr Roberts said it was a significant investment in the region’s pre-hospital emergency health care.

“Ensuring our personnel have first-rate equipment and facilities is a high priority for the Department of Emergency Services,” Mr Roberts said.

“This financial year the Queensland Ambulance Service has a capital works budget of over $32 million.

“Along with a further 250 ambulance officers and almost $16 million allocated for new vehicles, the Queensland Government is committed to maintaining the Queensland Ambulance Service’s reputation for outstanding frontline service.”

Mr Pitt congratulated local paramedics on their dedication and professionalism.

“Babinda has an excellent ambulance crew who have proven themselves to be an integral part of the community,” Mr Pitt said.

“The new station replaces the original that was built over 47 years ago, and will be a great asset to the town and its surrounds.”

Mr Roberts and Mr Pitt also handed over a new twin stretcher vehicle to both the Innisfail and Cardwell stations, valued around $150,000 each.

The pair also handed over an Isuzu medium attack appliance to the Stony Batter Rural Fire Brigade valued at $94,000, and presented long and meritorious service medals to local Emergency Services workers.

“The Far North suffered a major blow in March 2006 when Cyclone Larry swept through the region,” Mr Pitt said.

“In that time, the response from the Emergency Services and the army of volunteers played a big part in getting the area on its feet.

“I congratulate all of today’s award winners and look forward to their continued commitment to the community.”

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350
Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976

Award Recipients

National Medal Sharon Jensen, Acting OIC Cardwell, QAS

20 year Long Service Peter Carnsew, Paramedic, Babinda, QAS

10 year Long Service Adrian House, OIC Mission Beach, QAS

LAC 10 yr award Mr Alf Gullotta

LAC 10 yr award Mr Colin Ritchie

LAC 10 yr award Mr John Wild