EMBARGOED UNTIL MIDNIGHT: Bigger and better station for Oakey paramedics

The new $1.5 million Oakey Ambulance Station was officially opened today by Emergency Services Minister, Neil Roberts, providing a “bigger and better” facility for local paramedics.

Prior to September this year, Oakey’s ambulance service operated from a station built in 1971. But in response to the growing population and an increase in demand for the ambulance services, a replacement station was commissioned and became operational on September 30.

“The previous facility comprised of the station and a private residence, but now Oakey paramedics have one functional, user-friendly and a much larger facility to operate from,” Mr Roberts said.

“Features include a dedicated training room complete with up to date technology, shade sails outside the facility to allow the washing of vehicles out of the sun, and automatic roller doors that can be powered by a generator in case of power outages.

“This replacement station is certainly bigger and better, and I know the staff here are thrilled to have this state-of-the-art facility up and running,” he said.

Oakey’s ambulance service covers an area from Kingsthorpe in the east to Bowenville in the west, McLagan to the north and south to Aubigny. Approximately 10,000 people live within these areas.

Minister Roberts acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of staff at Oakey Ambulance Station.

"Last financial year, Oakey ambulance personnel attended to 582 Code 1 responses, and 858 Code 2 responses.

“It is not just a new station that makes an emergency operation like this viable, it is the skills and the dedication people who staff them and who are the face of the Queensland Ambulance Service,” he said.

Media Contact – Malcolm Grieve 0427 822 676