The Andrews Labor Government today announced that Eltham Ambulance Station will be rebuilt as part of a $20 million investment to modernise and upgrade ambulance facilities across Victoria.
Eltham Ambulance Station has been identified as one of Victoria’s worst ambulance branches and in need of urgent upgrade.
Over 40 years old, the station is too small, and lacks secure storage and adequate rest, training and kitchen facilities.
The Government has worked with Ambulance Victoria to identify branches across Victoria most in need of replacing, and will announce more ambulance stations which will receive upgrades in coming weeks.
Already, the Government has announced six branches that will be upgraded, including Kew, Preston, and Dandenong Ambulance Stations in metropolitan Melbourne, and Sale, Orbost, and Echuca Ambulance Stations in regional Victoria.
All of these stations, and Eltham Ambulance Branch, will be replaced with state-of-the-art branches that feature spacious and functional garages for vehicles, and modern facilities for paramedics, including lounge areas, a kitchen, training rooms and amenities.
The Labor Government has invested an extra $99 million in ambulance services in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to deliver more ambulance services, upgrade ambulance branches and provide new and replacement vehicles and equipment. This extra funding will also provide increased support services for Victoria’s hardworking paramedics.
The Government has also removed red tape so that MICA paramedics can now use their skills wherever they’re located, including in non-MICA branches. This will mean better services and responses for Victorians, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy
“We’re upgrading our ambulance stations to ensure they’re safe, fit-for-purpose, and comfortable for our hardworking paramedics.”
“Some of these stations have been around for decades, and if we’re to have a modern ambulance service, we need to have modern facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“Our hardworking paramedics need better facilities so they can continue to do what they do best, which is save lives.”
“This is a big win for our local paramedics and our local community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020