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Friday, 10 February 2012
Construction starts on new Kinglake ambulance station
Work will soon commence on a new ambulance station for the Kinglake community, Minister for Health David Davis said today during a sod turning at the site.
Mr Davis said the new ambulance station at Kinglake would provide a significant improvement to ambulance facilities for paramedics working in the local community.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to working with Ambulance Victoria and local communities to ensure all Victorians have access to the highest quality ambulance service delivering timely responses during emergencies,” Mr Davis said.
“Following the devastating February 2009 bushfires, a temporary ambulance station was set up in the Kinglake community.
“The Victorian Government has delivered $1.25 million to construct a permanent ambulance station in Kinglake.
“The Government has also provided $5.2 million over four years to maintain upgraded professional ambulance services in Kinglake and Whittlesea.
“This is supporting12 paramedics to provide a peak period service in Kinglake and overnight service based in Whittlesea.”
Mr Davis said land had been purchased on Whittlesea-Kinglake Road for the permanent home of the new Kinglake ambulance station.
“It is expected that the ambulance station will be complete mid year,” Mr Davis said.
“I would like to thank paramedics for their commitment, professionalism and patience whilst working from their temporary home.
“I would also like to thank the Kinglake Community Emergency Response Team for their ongoing support.
“We look forward to working with Ambulance Victoria and the Kinglake community in providing the best emergency clinical care both at the scene of an accident and transporting those in need to specialist medical services if required.”
Mr Davis said the Baillieu Coalition Government is delivering on its $151 million commitment to employ 340 additional ambulance staff over five years.
“We are also delivering on commitments to upgrade ambulance stations and establish Mobile Intensive Care single responder units in 10 major rural towns,” Mr Davis said.
“We have also provided $241.9 million over four years to halve the cost of Ambulance Victoria membership.”
Media contact: Kathryn McFarlane 0419 850 201