Dametto calls to fast-track Burdell ambo station

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto in the North Shore estate in Burdell, one of several suburbs which could benefit from a local ambulance station.

CONSTRUCTION of a proposed ambulance station at Burdell must be fast-tracked in order to meet the needs of Townsville’s growing northern suburbs population, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

Mr Dametto said he understood land adjacent to Northshore Car Wash on Galax Entrance had already been acquired by the State Government and ear tagged for a new ambulance station.

“My understanding is that this project has been planned for some time and only needs a green light from Ambulance Services Minister Steven Miles to start construction,” he said.

“The population of Townsville’s northern suburbs has grown exponentially over the last year, and it’s time the government recognised this with an emergency service that caters to this need.

“We have a fire station near Shaw and a police station at Jensen but the missing link for this area has been an ambulance station. In an emergency situation, minutes count and I believe strategically placing a new ambulance station in the Burdell area would be best placed to serve suburbs in the immediate area.”

According to figures from the latest census, the population of Burdell increased from 2246 people in 2011 to 5814 people in 2016 while nearby suburb Mt Low increased from 2391 people to 4655 people over the same time period. Deeragun also experienced a population boost.

“I have no doubt those population figures have likely grown significantly since 2016. Both major parties have made significant announcements for the Hinchinbrook electorate but they have failed to identify one of our main concerns. The Hinchinbrook electorate deserves better health services,” Mr Dametto said.

“I’ve continuously lobbied for more doctors in Cardwell and upgrades to Ingham Hospital which would include a CT scanner, renal unit and emergency department upgrades. It’s unfortunate the LNP and Labor have failed to understand the health needs of Hinchinbrook.”

Mr Dametto said the Burdell ambulance station would form a vital part of an “emergency response spine”, coupled with the existing station at Black River and his previous call for a station at Rollingstone.

“The need for a station at Rollingstone is equally important. Right now we have a situation where there is a 90km stretch of the Bruce Highway without an ambulance station, leaving residents who require assistance in this area in a potentially precarious situation should they require an ambulance from either Ingham or Townsville,” he said.

“Today I’m calling upon both major parties to support the northern beaches’ need for an ambulance station.  Delivering adequate health services should be above politics and have bipartisan support.

“Meeting Hinchinbrook’s future health needs is one of my top priorities.”