General News
19 November, 2023
Health minister under fire for 'ambulance station disrespect'
HEALTH Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has been blasted for disrespecting the Inglewood community in its campaign to avert demolition of the former ambulance station. Northern Victoria Region MP Gayle Broad took aim at Ms Thomas for failing to address...
HEALTH Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has been blasted for disrespecting the Inglewood community in its campaign to avert demolition of the former ambulance station.
Northern Victoria Region MP Gayle Broad took aim at Ms Thomas for failing to address community concerns in petitions tabled in State Parliament.
The old station, built with funds raised by the community 40 years ago, was demolished in September after the Government earlier claimed there was asbestos in the building.
Within hours of wreckers moving in, the Government backed down on the claim.
Ms Broad backed the community campaign to stay demolition while there were talks with Inglewood and Districts Health Service on using the building.
She said: “I raised this matter in Parliament on several occasions, lodged two petitions, and contacted the minister’s office in writing and by phone. I also spoke with the member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, seeking to defer the demolition to enable further discussion about potential uses for the building.
“I have now received responses to the two petitions that were tabled in Parliament, which underline the disrespect the minister has for the Inglewood community,” Ms Broad said.
“The responses provide nothing more in the way of an explanation for the demolition, which was extremely upsetting for the community.
“I am very disappointed that the minister ignored repeated requests from the local community to save the building, and misled the public by stating that the 1980s brick building contained asbestos when contractors confirmed there was none.
“To date the minister has failed to explain why the building was demolished, and provided no evidence to suggest that the condition of the building posed a safety threat.
“The Labor Government’s decision to demolish the building, without listening to the Inglewood community shows a complete disregard for local residents, and their work over many years to help pay for the building.”
Ms Thomas this month told Ms Broad: “Following much consideration and with community safety in mind, a decision was made to demolish the old Inglewood Ambulance Branch due to the deteriorating condition of the building which is no longer fit-for-purpose.
“Demolition of the old Inglewood Ambulance Branch began on September 25 and is now complete.
“The new state-of-the art Inglewood Ambulance Branch will ensure not only the safety of our hardworking paramedics but provide required amenity and functionality to quickly respond to local emergencies.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has missed its own deadline extension to release building reports quoted by the Government justifying demolition of the building.
The Loddon Herald lodged the Freedom of Information request and agreed to a deadline extension of October 13. The department has been asked to explain missing its requested deadline.