Progress on six replacement ambulance stations

Six replacement ambulance stations across Queensland were due to be officially opened or completed by the end of next month, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

Mr Roberts said the construction of replacement ambulance stations at Carmila, Coolum, Murgon and Oakey are well underway, and the recently completed replacement stations at Gemfields and Aramac are being built at a cost of $9 million.

“The Bligh Government is investing in new, replacement and refurbished ambulance stations across the State,” Mr Roberts said.

He said the replacement ambulance stations at Gemfields ($1.4 million) and Aramac ($1 million) are due to be opened this month. The Carmila station ($1 million) will be completed this month, while the Coolum ($2.15 million), Murgon ($2 million) and Oakey ($1.45 million) replacement stations are to be completed in August.

The 2008-09 State Budget allocated $61.5 million for work on two new ambulance stations, 21 replacement or redeveloped QAS facilities to start or be completed.

“The Government is investing record funding and resources into the Queensland Ambulance Service as it responds to growing and unprecedented demand for its services,” Mr Roberts said.

“In 2008-09, the QAS has funding to recruit an extra 250 ambulance officers and buy 145 new ambulance vehicles, on top of the 255 ambulance officers and 140 new ambulance vehicles funded last financial year.”

Other recently completed ambulance stations in recent years include new stations at Birkdale, Carina, Emu Park, Narangba, Nerang and Samford Valley and replacement or refurbished stations at Atherton, Ayr, Babinda, Balmoral, Gympie, Roma and Warwick.

8 July 2008

Media Contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350