Published Monday, 12 January, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
New ambulance for the Townsville region
12 January 09
Treasurer and acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser today handed over the keys to a new ambulance for Townsville.
The state of the art Mercedes Benz 318 vehicle cost $180,000 and will hit the streets next week, following hot on the heels of another vehicle put into service late last year.
“The Townsville region is growing at a rapid rate, and these ambulances will assist in providing the top class service locals and visitors expect,” Mr Fraser said.
“These new vehicles will improve the efficiency and reliability of the fleet.”
One vehicle each will be deployed to the Kirwan and Townsville stations.
The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) allocates new vehicles within regions based on operational readiness and requirements. All QAS vehicles undergo a comprehensive vehicle maintenance program with scheduled servicing.
“Other features of both vehicles include an automatic side step which allows ease of access to the rear cabin, white vehicle body colour which is clearly and easily recognisable, and retro-reflective markings which help in identifying the shape and size of the vehicle in darkness.”
Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said the new vehicles would boost local resources.
“The Townsville region is growing by the day. The Bligh Government is committed to looking over the horizon, ensuring we have the resources in place to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, today,” Mr Wallace said.
Mr Fraser said the vehicles will carry Stryker stretchers and stair chairs which can safely support patients weighing 228 kilograms.
The new ambulances are a part of a $16.9 million commitment to commission new vehicles across the State in 2008-09, with 16 vehicles in the Northern region, which includes Townsville.
“The Bligh Government also remains committed to its unprecedented recruitment campaign, with 21 additional ambulance officers allocated to the Northern region this financial year as part of the 250 additional recruits across the state.
“That’s on top of the 255 additional officers recruited in 2007-08.”
The $4.3 million redevelopment of the Townsville ambulance station on Hugh Street in Currajong is almost complete, with works expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
“The Bligh Government’s record infrastructure program will deliver vital services and create jobs, and the Townsville Ambulance station is no exception.”
Media contact: Treasurer’s office (07) 3224 6361
Minister Wallace’s office: (07) 3896 3688
Treasurer and acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser today handed over the keys to a new ambulance for Townsville.
The state of the art Mercedes Benz 318 vehicle cost $180,000 and will hit the streets next week, following hot on the heels of another vehicle put into service late last year.
“The Townsville region is growing at a rapid rate, and these ambulances will assist in providing the top class service locals and visitors expect,” Mr Fraser said.
“These new vehicles will improve the efficiency and reliability of the fleet.”
One vehicle each will be deployed to the Kirwan and Townsville stations.
The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) allocates new vehicles within regions based on operational readiness and requirements. All QAS vehicles undergo a comprehensive vehicle maintenance program with scheduled servicing.
“Other features of both vehicles include an automatic side step which allows ease of access to the rear cabin, white vehicle body colour which is clearly and easily recognisable, and retro-reflective markings which help in identifying the shape and size of the vehicle in darkness.”
Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said the new vehicles would boost local resources.
“The Townsville region is growing by the day. The Bligh Government is committed to looking over the horizon, ensuring we have the resources in place to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, today,” Mr Wallace said.
Mr Fraser said the vehicles will carry Stryker stretchers and stair chairs which can safely support patients weighing 228 kilograms.
The new ambulances are a part of a $16.9 million commitment to commission new vehicles across the State in 2008-09, with 16 vehicles in the Northern region, which includes Townsville.
“The Bligh Government also remains committed to its unprecedented recruitment campaign, with 21 additional ambulance officers allocated to the Northern region this financial year as part of the 250 additional recruits across the state.
“That’s on top of the 255 additional officers recruited in 2007-08.”
The $4.3 million redevelopment of the Townsville ambulance station on Hugh Street in Currajong is almost complete, with works expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
“The Bligh Government’s record infrastructure program will deliver vital services and create jobs, and the Townsville Ambulance station is no exception.”
Media contact: Treasurer’s office (07) 3224 6361
Minister Wallace’s office: (07) 3896 3688