The Allan Labor Government has delivered a new state-of-the-art ambulance branch in Foster, supporting our hardworking paramedics to do what they do best - save lives in their community.
Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today officially opened the new station alongside local paramedics.
New modern amenities are enhancing safety, security, and capabilities at the new branch, supporting a team of nine paramedics and 11 ambulance community officers.
Upgrades include a four-bay garage for ambulances, four rest and recline areas for paramedics to recuperate, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, car parking and improved security to make sure crews are safe right around the clock.
The new Foster station is part of the Labor Government's ongoing support of Ambulance Victoria infrastructure, with $279 million invested since 2015 to deliver 51 ambulance stations, providing better working conditions for paramedics and ensuring lifesaving emergency care is available for all Victorians.
With the opening of the new Foster branch, the Labor Government has now built seven stations to provide extra support in the Gippsland region including in Moe, Morwell, Orbost, Paynesville, Traralgon and Warragul.
Alongside improved infrastructure, the Labor Government has invested in a range of initiatives to improve access to emergency ambulance services in regional Victoria - increasing the number of dual paramedic crews, including at Foster, 24-hour ambulance stations and dedicated units that can respond to peak periods of demand.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 also delivered more than $200 million in funding to improve access to emergency care, with an additional $46 million investment towards training additional mobile intensive care ambulance paramedics, establishing 25 paramedic practitioners and supporting the new Centre for Paramedicine.
Helping to meet the growing needs of the state, a further $146 million from the Victorian Budget 2024/25 is supporting services like the Secondary Triage Service and Medium Acuity Transport Services, freeing up paramedics so they are available to respond to the most time-critical patients.
As stated by Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas
"In regional areas like Foster, we know locals rely on their expertise and compassion of our hardworking paramedics in times of crisis - it is why new stations are so important to ensuring they are safe and comfortable at work."
"This new station will give our local paramedics the modern, fit-for-purpose workplace they deserve, while ensuring they have the best facilities to continue doing what they do best - save lives."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"Foster is the latest of several new, modern ambulance stations in Gippsland, all fantastic investments in the local community as well as the local paramedic workforce, the regional health system, emergency services and the care provided to local residents."
