New vehicles enhance ambulance service in Springwood and Southport

Residents in Springwood and Southport will today benefit from the handover of vehicles to the local Ambulance stations.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said the Mercedes 318 vehicle presented to Springwood station and the Mercedes 315 patient transport vehicle presented to Southport Station are reinforcements of the Government’s commitment to providing emergency services to the frontline.

Member for Springwood Barbara Stone and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor joined the Minister at handover ceremonies today.

“With a burgeoning and ever-increasing population, the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring these regions are equipped to deal with population growth,” Ms Stone said.

“By formally handing over these vehicles, which are worth between $140,000 and $180,000 each, the Government is making sure the people of Southport and Springwood have access to state-of-the-art ambulance facilities in the years to come.”

Mr Lawlor paid tribute to ambulance crews in the region.

“This investment will allow the dedicated and professional crews at both stations, who work around the clock to service these communities, to continue to provide the first-class services locals are accustomed to,” Mr Lawlor said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support of the Local Ambulance Committee who dedicate time and resources to fundraising in an effort to better equip ambulance stations.”

Mr Roberts said the Bligh Government is committed to providing a first class ambulance service to the people of Queensland.

“We are playing our part by allocating record levels of funding to the QAS,” Mr Roberts said.

“This financial year the QAS budget has increased by $53.1 million to $455.7 million.

“That means the QAS will recruit 250 additional ambulance officers and buy 145 new ambulances this financial year.

“This builds on the 255 extra officers and 140 new vehicles funded in 2007-08.”

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Jessica Lawrence – 3247 8992