- Published:
- Friday 27 May 2016
The Andrews Labor Government will deliver two new, state-of-the-art ambulance stations in Melbourne’s north to give our paramedics the safe and modern facilities they need to save lives.
Acting Premier James Merlino today joined Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy and Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn to announce $3.5 million to build first-class ambulance stations in Oak Park and Epping to better support paramedics to respond quickly to local medical emergencies.
The current Oak Park ambulance station is close to fifty years old and no longer meets the needs of today’s modern ambulance services and the growing population in Melbourne’s outer north.
It is no longer fit for purpose for the 70 or so paramedics who respond to more than 1,300 call-outs each month.
A new state-of-the-art station will be built on the existing site providing a five-bay ambulance garage, six bedrooms, rest and recline areas, training rooms, modern amenities and a fully fitted out kitchen, meaning there is room to accommodate future growth.
Over in Epping, a new purpose-built station will replace the current facility on McDonalds Rd that is now too small to serve the needs of what is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing communities.
The new station will be built on the existing site, providing a five-bay ambulance garage, six bedrooms, rest and recline areas, training rooms, modern amenities and a fully fitted out kitchen.
This investment - part of a $27.3 million boost to rebuild and upgrade ambulance stations and purchase additional vehicles - will give local paramedics the modern and safer facilities they deserve, as well as the room they need to grow to meet the needs of the rapidly growing northern suburbs.
In the 2016/17 Victorian Budget, the Labor Government invested $144 million to fix the ambulance system after four years of crisis and neglect under the former Liberal Government.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino
“As one of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas, we need to invest now in our ambulance branches and paramedics to keep up and meet the healthcare needs of Melbourne’s north – and we’re doing just that.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy
“We’re working hand-in-hand with our paramedics to fix the system and investing for the future so ambulances arrive at medical emergencies sooner.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“The new Oak Park ambulance station will make a huge difference to our hardworking and dedicated paramedics, who have clearly outgrown their current home.”