Planning to start on Burdell ambo station

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has welcomed news that plans for the new Burdell Ambulance Station are progressing.

PLANNING and design works for a new $6 million ambulance station at Burdell are set to start this year in a boost for emergency services on Townsville’s northern beaches.

Responding to a Question on Notice asked by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto in parliament late last year, Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath said the facility, to be built along Galax Entrance, would create 20 jobs across the project with construction to start once the planning process and town planning approvals are complete.

“I’m pleased to see some movement on this project following my call last October for it to be fast-tracked,” said Mr Dametto.

“The Minister has said the station will be manned 24/7 to meet the growing demand for ambulance services in the area. This will complement the fire station we currently have near Shaw and police station at Jensen.”

The new station will feature multi-function rest/study and training spaces, patient care store, plant room, kitchen and day room and an office for the Officer-in-Charge.

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.

Mr Dametto remained supportive of an “emergency response spine” which would incorporate the existing ambulance station at Black River, the soon-to-be built station at Burdell and his call for a third ambulance station in the broader area at Rollingstone.

“Rollingstone would fill a vital gap in Hinchinbrook where we have a 90km stretch of the Bruce Highway without an ambulance station. This puts residents requiring assistance in a precarious position during an emergency situation where every minute counts,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing discussions with the government on this important proposal.”