New ambulance vehicles getting ready to roll

New ambulance vehicles are being readied at the Queensland Ambulance Service’s (QAS) Kedron Park Fleet Workshop in Brisbane for service across the State.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the QAS was buying an additional 140 vehicles this financial year.

“Almost 90% of the 140 new ambulance vehicles to be purchased this financial year will replace existing vehicles,” Mr Roberts said.

“The Queensland Ambulance Service is meticulous in commissioning its new vehicles to ensure they meet their needs and most importantly the needs of patients.”

“At the Kedron Park facility, there are 15 new base Toyota Troop Carrier vehicles that are to be soon consigned to a private supplier for fitting out as single stretcher ambulances. After that work is done these vehicles will be formally commissioned by the QAS at Kedron Park with new equipment and communications,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said the increased demand for QAS assistance and services was reflected in the increased distances travelled by its fleet.

“Last financial year, the QAS fleet travelled a total of 25.4 million kilometres, 3.6 million kilometres more than the previous 12 months,” Mr Roberts said.

“Importantly, new ambulance vehicles will be much more visible on our roads with the introduction of new livery.”

Mr Roberts said in addition to commissioning vehicles at Kedron Park, the QAS also decommissioned vehicles that are being replaced.

“Currently, there are about 10 vehicles being decommissioned. Once decommissioned, the vehicles are auctioned or deployed to ambulance services overseas in our region,” Mr Roberts said.

“In addition, repairs to ambulance vehicles are undertaken at Kedron Park,” he said.

Pictures from the Minister’s inspection of the work commissioning new QAS vehicles can be requested by e-mailing kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au

The media release and pictures will be published on the Department of Emergency Services’ website www.emergency.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au