Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, Member for Everton, Murray Watt and Member for Ashgrove, Kate Jones have turned the first ceremonial sod for Mitchelton’s new $3.2 million ambulance station.
Mr Roberts said the new station would further enhance service delivery to Brisbane’s outer north-western suburbs and had been designed to meet the needs of the community well into the future.
“When complete, this new station will accommodate up to 13 ambulance vehicles and 51 staff on a site that is capable of further expansion if needed,” Mr Roberts said.
Mr Watt said it was worth noting, as Queensland celebrates its 150th year, that the heritage-listed former Queensland Police Station on the site has been integrated into the design plan as a first-floor office and administration area.
‘The new Mitchelton station will house the most up to date technology and facilities available and is part of a $19.3 million 2009-10 State Government commitment to build, replace or redevelop 20 ambulance stations across Queensland,” Mr Watt said.
“Not only will this station provide our paramedics with a state-of-the-art facility, it will also provide much needed construction jobs, which during these tough times represents an investment in Queensland’s economic future.”
Ms Jones said the existing Grovely Ambulance Station currently serviced an area including Mitchelton, Gaythorne, Everton Park, Ashgrove to Ferny Hills, Arana Hills and Albany Creek.
“The Grovely Ambulance Station has served the community well since being built in 1969 to house two staff and five vehicles,” Ms Jones said.
“It has been extended and refurbished over the years to accommodate growth in its catchment area and now supports 35 staff and five vehicles.
“Our local communities are thriving and this new station will allow the Queensland Ambulance Service to continue providing an outstanding level of service to Brisbane’s outer north-west in line with regional growth.”
Queensland Ambulance Service Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner Leo McNamara said staff at Grovely Ambulance Station had responded to 5,392 emergency calls in 2008-09, of which 2,476 were Code 1 responses.
“The staff at Grovely station do an outstanding job but to continue to provide the best service they can, paramedics require the appropriate equipment and facilities,” Mr McNamara said.
“This new, modern station will allow our paramedics to meet current and future demand for ambulance services in the Mitchelton/Grovely areas and assist with service delivery throughout the Brisbane region.”
Mr Roberts said the record 2009-10 QAS budget allocation of more than $494 million reflected the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing Queensland communities with a world-class ambulance service.
“The State Government recognises the vital role that our ambulance officers play in providing an emergency response to the sick and injured,” Mr Roberts said.
“We will honour their commitment, dedication and professionalism by continuing to provide them with the equipment and facilities they need to serve Queensland’s growing communities.” |
