West Wyalong Ambulance Station will get a refurbishment under the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program, delivering a better work environment for paramedics.
The upgrades include new roller shutters to the vehicle plant room, refurbished office and administration space, refurbished medical storage and staff amenities as well as other internal upgrades.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the improvements which add to the ongoing investment in to ambulance stations across the electorate.
“I have met with our local paramedics and they kindly showed me around their station. It’s clear they are passionate about their work, but it’s also clear the station requires upgrades to ensure it meets their needs,” Ms Cooke said.
“The West Wyalong Ambulance Station services a huge area with busy roadways, thriving mining and agriculture sectors, meaning the demands on local paramedics are extensive.”
“These upgrades will help modernise the ambulance station, ensuring our paramedics have the facilities they deserve to keep doing their vital work.”
“The station is housed in a council-owned building and this investment from the NSW Government is removing the cost burden from local ratepayers.”
“This work joins new ambulance stations at Cowra, Grenfell, Cootamundra, Ardlethan, Harden and Coolamon, bricks and mortar testament to our commitment to health infrastructure.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said works are expected to commence later this year on the upgrade to the ambulance station following a competitive tender process.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in rural and regional health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for local communities,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Our paramedics need the best possible workplace to provide emergency medical care, and the infrastructure improvements will make a real difference to their working environment.”
The RAIR program is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s 126-year history, with 24 new or upgraded ambulance stations already delivered or under construction as part of the $132 million Stage 1 program, with another $100 million worth of ambulance assets being delivered throughout rural and regional NSW under Stage 2.
In 2020-21, the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in services and capital works for NSW Ambulance. This includes $27 million of funding for 180 new NSW Ambulance staff across NSW, being the third tranche of the June 2018 commitment to recruit 750 additional paramedic and control centre staff over four years.
