Five additional ambulance officers for Rockhampton area

Five additional ambulance officers will be allocated to the Rockhampton area as part of the Queensland Ambulance Service’s recruitment drive this financial year, Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said.

Mr Schwarten said Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts announced in July that Central Region could expect 20 additional officers.

“I’m pleased that the Rockhampton area will receive five of the Central Region allocation of 20 additional officers this financial year,” Mr Schwarten said.

“On top of these five, Duaringa, Baralaba and Wowan stations will also have newly funded positions to fill.

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

“I look forward to welcoming the new officers to Rockhampton 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