12 additional ambulance officers for Townsville area

Twelve additional ambulance officers will be allocated to the Townsville area as part of the Queensland Ambulance Service’s recruitment drive of 250 additional officers this financial year, Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said.

Mr Reynolds said Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts announced in July that Northern Region (Townsville out to Mt Isa) could expect 21 additional officers.

“I’m pleased that the Townsville area will receive 12 of the Northern Region allocation of 21 additional officers this financial year,” Mr Reynolds said.

“The QAS determines staff enhancements by assessing demand and the area’s operational requirements.

“The allocation includes additions to the new support roster and an upgrade to helicopter operations, as well as more communications staff.

“I look forward to welcoming the new officers to Townsville and assure them they are already joining a very strong ambulance team.”

Mr Roberts said the State Government was investing in record numbers of recruits and resources for the QAS.

“The Queensland Government has provided $18.3 million funding for the recruitment of 250 additional ambulance officers in 2008-09 on top of the 255 officers recruited in 2007-08,” Mr Roberts said.

“Around 70 of the 250 have been recruited so far.

“The Government has placed an emphasis on recruitment due to the increasing demand facing the QAS.

“Across Queensland, the QAS provided 879,134 responses to incidents in 2007-08, up 7.66% on 2006-07.

“There was also a 9.48% increase in responses to urgent cases.”

“The Bligh Government is focusing on the frontline by providing record resources for the QAS.”

Media Contact: Brendan Connell    3247 8194