Two new ambulance stations opened in Brisbane region

Two new ambulance stations in the Brisbane region, built at a cost of $3 million, were officially opened by Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts today.

Mr Roberts said the new stations at Birkdale and Balmoral were part of the Queensland Government’s record commitment to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and its planning for the future.

“The QAS is responding to strong demand from the community. The Government is responding with record funding, record new ambulance officer recruits, more new vehicles and building new or upgrading existing stations,” Mr Roberts said.

“These stations are part of a network of ambulance stations in Brisbane’s south-east. The other stations are Cleveland, Capalaba, Wynnum, Carina and Redland Bay.”

“From these new stations, our dedicated and highly-trained ambulance officers will provide frontline emergency service to the local area.”

Member for Cleveland Phil Weightman said the new Birkdale Ambulance Station was built at a cost of $1.3 million.

“The new ambulance station at Birkdale was a commitment the Government made at the last election. The station services Wellington Point, Ormiston, Birkdale and surrounding areas. The staff complement of eight at Birkdale ambulance station is being enhanced to 20 as part of the employment of an extra 255 ambulance officers this financial year and the reform of ambulance rosters,” Mr Weightman said.

Member for Bulimba Pat Purcell said the replacement Balmoral Ambulance Station was built at a cost $1.7 million.

“As the local Member and former Minister for Emergency Services, I welcome the completion of the new ambulance station at Balmoral,” he said.

“This station reflects the Queensland Government’s continuing commitment to ensuring that top class emergency service facilities are available for the people of Queensland and for the staff who operate them.”

Mr Roberts said Birkdale and Balmoral stations were the latest in a long list new ambulance stations being opened across Queensland.

“QAS has recently completed the construction of new, replacement and redeveloped ambulance stations at Ayr, Atherton, Babinda, Dirranbandi, Emu Park, Gympie, Highfields, Narangba, Nerang, Samford, Warwick, Carina and Roma as well as Birkdale and Balmoral,” he said.

“While construction is nearing completion on the new Aramac, Gemfields and Carmila ambulance stations, new ambulance station projects at Coolum, Weipa, Townsville redevelopment, Murgon, Oakey and other centres are underway or in the development phase.”

22 May 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350