[singlepic id=167 w=320 h=240 float=left]The Gordonvale community will receive improved emergency services following today’s announcement of the co-location of the local ambulance station with the Gordonvale Hospital.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts joined Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt to announce plans for the $1.7 million new facility which will be designed in line with the current operational requirements of the Queensland Ambulance Service.
“The new station will improve community safety by providing the Gordonvale community with a state-of-the-art ambulance service through a more efficient use of resources,” Mr Roberts said.
“It will meet the demands of a growing population for emergency services and allow for future expansion of staff, the station’s fleet and technology.
“It’s anticipated construction will start before the end of 2010 and will be completed around the middle of 2011.”
Mr Pitt said the new ambulance station was great news for the local community.
“Last year, I joined QAS Assistant Commissioner for Far Northern Region, Peter Cahill to hold a community consultation evening to discuss plans for the new station with local residents,” Mr Pitt said.
“I am pleased that the move to a new facility now has the support of staff at the Gordonvale Ambulance Station, members of the Local Ambulance Committee and the community,” he said.
“The new station will promote operational capacity and cater for uses including staff training, Local Ambulance Committee meetings and approved uses by community groups.
“The project will also provide safe, secure parking for QAS and hospital staff and a large multi-purpose shed.
“It will replace the existing station which has served the community well since it opened in 1946.
“The Gordonvale community’s needs will be best served now and well into the future by this new facility.”
QAS Assistant Commissioner Far Northern Region Peter Cahill said the new facility continued to recognise the growth in the Gordonvale community.
“During the current financial year the QAS has appointed three new paramedics to Gordonvale station, allowing two shifts a day to operate seven days a week,” he said.
“Additionally the station’s vehicle fleet has been enhanced by two new replacement vehicles.
“These investments recognise importance we place on providing the Gordonvale community with equipment and services of the highest standard.”
Mr Cahill said since July 2009 Gordonvale Ambulance Station’s 10 staff had responded to 678 Code 1 incidents requiring urgent attention and a further 630 cases.
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