Five new vehicles for Far North: Ambulance vehicle roll-out on track

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts says the Queensland Ambulance Service’s (QAS) planned vehicle roll-out for 2008-09 is on-track.

Mr Roberts said in the 2008-09 budget, the Bligh Government allocated $16.9 million to purchase 145 new ambulance vehicles.

“Since July 1 this year, the QAS has distributed 64 new ambulance stretcher vehicles across the state,” Mr Roberts said.

“That includes five for the Far Northern region (Cairns to Thursday Island).

“The allocation of 140 new vehicles for 2007-08 has been finalised on schedule, and we are well into the allocation of 145 new vehicles for 2008-09.

“By the end of next week (3 October), the QAS will have received another major shipment of 27 vehicles which will be distributed as soon as possible.

“The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring ambulance officers have the resources needed to maintain a high-quality service.

“That means having a comprehensive vehicle replacement program and maintaining a rigorous assessment regime of a vehicle’s physical and mechanical condition.”

Media Contact: Brendan Connell 0437 837 976