Ambulance services in the Gordonvale district will receive a major boost with the construction of a new $1.8 million station and appointment of three new paramedics.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said $1.8 million would be spent over the next 18 months on a replacement ambulance station for Gordonvale while three additional paramedics would be appointed by the end of March.
The announcement follows a public meeting in Gordonvale last night (December 10) to discuss location options for the new station.
“People throughout the Gordonvale district will see significant improvements to our ambulance service delivery through these actions,” Mr Pitt said.
“Not only will Gordonvale residents enjoy the benefits of a new state-of-the-art ambulance facility, the three additional paramedic appointments will have a major impact on the extent of services provided in the area.
“Through the staff increase, the Queensland Ambulance Services will be able to introduce an afternoon shift, seven days a week, rather than an on-call service.
“The benefit of an afternoon shift is that the amount of on-call for all officers will be reduced and coverage will be able to be provided across a greater part of a 24 hour period.”
Mr Roberts said recruitment for the new paramedics had already begun and expected the appointments to be made by the end of March.
The additional positions will push paramedic staffing in Gordonvale from seven to 10.
Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner for the Far Northern Region, Peter Cahill, said public input into the selection of the new ambulance service location was imperative.
“Given the size and extent of ambulance service enhancements in Gordonvale, public input is vital,” Assistant Commissioner Cahill said.
“We would strongly encourage all people in the Gordonvale district to have a say because we want to make the most of this opportunity and provide the most effective ambulance service possible.”
Assistant Commissioner Cahill said a construction timetable for the new facility would be finalised after a preferred location was identified.
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