The Kingscliff community in northern NSW is a step closer to having a new state-of-the-art ambulance station with construction now underway on site.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park was joined by Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and local paramedics to mark a significant milestone in the delivery of the new Kingscliff Ambulance Station, with the turning of the first sod.
"It's an exciting day for the community as construction gets underway on Kingscliff's new purpose-built ambulance station, which will provide a high-quality base for our local paramedics, tailored to the emergency care needs of the region," Mr Park said.
"We're committed to investing in rural and regional health infrastructure, so it's wonderful to see the Kingscliff community benefit from this new state-of-the-art ambulance station.
"Our local paramedics need and deserve the best possible workplace for emergency medical care, and this new ambulance station will make a real difference to their working environment.
"We're looking forward to delivering the Kingscliff station which will provide the most up-to-date facilities and equipment to support our local paramedics and bolster mobile emergency care for the local community."
The station is due for completion next year and will be co-located at the site of the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital.
The new two-level ambulance station will replace the 65-year-old station on Marine Parade in Kingscliff.
The new station features eight internal parking bays including an internal wash bay, administration and office areas, staff rest facilities, gym, logistics and storage areas and staff parking.
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot joined Minister Park to mark the beginning of construction.
"Kingscliff deserves this brand new ambulance station which will match its rapidly growing needs," Ms Elliot said.
NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Paula Sinclair said the new Kingscliff Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program.
"NSW Ambulance used best practice modelling methodology to map Triple Zero (000) calls to determine the location for the new station to effectively manage demand for emergency services," Ms Sinclair said.
"The Kingscliff Ambulance Station will also be fitted with a solar energy system, which enables battery storage and an emergency power source for essential building services such as lighting and roller doors."
The NSW Government is recruiting thousands of new staff including paramedics, nurses, doctors and support staff to improve response times and meet current and future demand.
Hundreds of new emergency vehicles and a number of new ambulance stations will also be delivered over the coming years to support our local paramedics deliver the best care now and into the future.
The NSW Government's $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:
- Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million)
- NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million)
- RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million)
