Yesterday in State Parliament, Member for Morwell Russell Northe raised community concerns over the delivery of ambulance stations and paramedic resources to the Latrobe Valley.
Speaking from Spring Street yesterday, Mr Northe explained: “Whilst I commend the State Government for its commitment to rebuilding ambulance stations in our region unfortunately there is little information available on when works on both Morwell and Moe ambulance stations will commence”.
“Our paramedics are real heroes of our community; they are dedicated, committed and highly skilled and we are blessed to have them in our midst and saving lives. I’m pleased that the State Government recognises that appropriate facilities for our paramedics and ambulance staff are important in this regard”, Mr Northe continued. “The new Traralgon Ambulance station is testament to this but the Morwell and Moe communities are likewise keen to see previous Government commitments of new ambulance stations delivered in their respective towns”.
The Churchill community was also promised additional paramedic resources during the Minister for Ambulance Services presentation to the Public Accounts & Estimates Committee earlier in the year;
“New and/or additional paramedic resources will be deployed in the South Barwon and Bendigo regions, Clyde North, Churchill, Gisborne and Geelong, with additional MICA paramedic resources in Ararat and Bellarine”. (Reference)
The Morwell Ambulance Station upgrade was funded in the 2015-16 State budget, whilst the Moe station was funded in the 2016-17 budget, see image overleaf (Reference). Disappointingly local residents at the time were oblivious to English Street, Morwell being selected at the site of the Morwell Ambulance Station, and many only found out due to a sign being erected which stated in part; “Morwell ambulance branch – opening 2019.” Reference: LVE Sign points to station in Morwell
“This site now remains vacant and the sign has been removed which raises questions of will the Morwell Ambulance Station still be built on this site and if so when?” Mr Northe continued. “The same question applies to the proposed Moe Ambulance Station”.
“In addition, the Government should provide information in regards to extra paramedic resources the Churchill community were promised to receive. These are legitimate questions to ask and the Minister should provide the community with the relevant information”.
“If these projects have delayed for whatever reason, then the Government should articulate this as our community and our hard working paramedics deserve to know. These are positive commitments for our region and the Government should be commended for such investment, but it also needs to provide contemporary information on the progress of these same commitments”, Mr Northe continued.
