Media Statements

Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey officially opened the $2.6 million Pinjarra Hills Ambulance Station this afternoon.

Mr Dempsey said the station, which has been operational since early January, had already proven its value in the local community.

“In the first month of operation, Pinjarra Hills paramedics responded to more than 150 cases in the area,” Mr Dempsey said.

“One third of these cases were classified as life-threatening emergencies.

“Over the course of a year, it is incredible to think just how many lives will potentially be saved by paramedics working from this new station.”

Mr Dempsey said the new facility, located on Vyner Street, linked in with the Kenmore station catchment area and was closely supported by the Bellbowrie First Responder Group.

“This state-of-the-art facility is already providing the highest quality care to the Pinjarra Hills community and surrounding districts including Bellbowrie,” he said.

“The building has provision for four ambulance vehicles, a clinical practice area, a fully equipped kitchen and day room for paramedics.

“The ambulance fleet consists of two Mercedes Sprinter ambulances and the station is staffed by an officer-in-charge and four full-time paramedics.”

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner Russell Bowles, who also attended the ceremony, said the worth of an ambulance station was not in the building itself but was measured by the skill and commitment of those who worked beneath its roof.

“This local community can rest assured that in their time of need, they will be receiving the finest quality service from ambulance personnel, responding from one of Queensland’s newest stations,” Mr Bowles said.

“I have every confidence this station will meet the needs of the community and deliver nothing short of the best in terms of efficient response.

“The station has come at the perfect time for the Pinjarra Hills community and there is no doubt from the high number of cases already attended, these paramedics will remain very busy in the months and years to come.”

[ENDS] 5 March 2013

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116