EMBARGOED UNTIL MIDNIGHT: New ambulance station opens at Murgon

The new $2 million Murgon Ambulance Station was officially opened today by Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts.

Replacing Murgon’s previous ambulance station built in 1962, the new facility provides a more user-friendly base for staff.

“This facility has a much greater functionality than the one it replaces – it is much larger and features housing for all vehicles, a modern kitchen, and relief quarters for staff,” Mr Roberts said.

“The station is also fitted with environmentally friendly features including water tanks for toilets, vehicle washing and irrigation, and a heat pump instead of the normal hot water system.”

The new station is also home to the South Burnett Patient Transport Service, with a three-bay shed built on site to accommodate the service’s vehicles.

“This further ensures that residents have adequate access to professional pre-hospital medical care and services in the South Burnett Region,” he said.

The station also received the keys for two $140,000 315 Mercedes Sprinter Patient Transport vehicles, and a $180,000 318 Mercedes Sprinter emergency vehicle, which will further enhance the station’s capabilities and coverage of the local area.

“Murgon Ambulance Station’s service area stretches across two Local Government areas – an area of more than 10,000 square kilometres and a population of around 12,000 people – so it’s important they have a number of reliable vehicles on hand,” he said.

Minister Roberts said the Bligh Government is committed to providing ambulance officers with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to enable them to do their job effectively and efficiently.

“The Government has committed $31.2 million this financial year to commence or two new ambulance stations and 21 replacement, refurbished or redeveloped facilities,” he said.

Mr Roberts also thanked the station’s staff for their hard work and dedication, and recognised the commitment of Murgon’s active Local Ambulance Committee.

Media Contact – Malcolm Grieve 0427 822 676