Hunter Valley residents will benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government today announcing a new ambulance station will be built at Branxton.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the new ambulance station is a big win for Branxton and the surrounding communities.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government are committed to ensuring locals continue to receive timely access to emergency care when and where they need it most,” Mr Layzell said.
“The Branxton station, along with new ambulance stations earmarked for Gateshead, Swansea, Medowie, and refurbishments of Stockton and Tea Gardens is yet another way we are meeting growing the emergency health needs of the regions now and into the future.
“The investment will create more jobs in the local area and provide a better working environment for our amazing paramedics who are giving their utmost to serve communities across our great state.”
The site for the new ambulance station will be determined following further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including the community, Cessnock City Council and local emergency services personnel.
The new ambulance station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, staff parking, multipurpose spaces to support staff education and rest, logistics and storage spaces, an office area for administration as well as staff amenities.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the announcement forms part of a record $1.76 billion NSW Government investment which will transform NSW Ambulance services over the next four years with more than 2,000 extra staff, including 1,858 paramedics, and 30 new ambulance stations across NSW. Over 700 of these new positions will be in regional locations.
“Ambulance services are experiencing unprecedented demand across rural and regional NSW, and this new ambulance station for Branxton will keep us ahead of the curve,” Mrs Taylor said.
The new ambulance stations for the Branxton, Gateshead and Swansea communities are being delivered as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure program.
In total, more than $1 billion is being invested across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.
The NSW Government’s $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:
NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) 30 projects - 8 in early planning. Program announced in 2022-23 State Budget.
RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects - 39 complete including the new Rutherford Ambulance Station at Maitland, 15 underway. Program began 2015.
Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million) – 19 projects - 18 projects completed to date with one due for completion late 2023. Program began 2014.
PICTURE CAPTION: Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor & Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell at the Branxton Ambulance Station announcement.
