General News
12 August, 2023
We won't be backing down, says government
A STATE Government spokesperson on Monday said there would be no backdown on plans to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance station. “To protect the safety of paramedics and to ensure they can continue to provide emergency care, the decision was...
A STATE Government spokesperson on Monday said there would be no backdown on plans to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance station.
“To protect the safety of paramedics and to ensure they can continue to provide emergency care, the decision was made to demolish the old branch once the new branch was complete – this decision remains unchanged,” they said.
The response came three hours after the Department of Health claimed a 2016 report “highlighted ongoing safety issues for paramedics with asbestos found in the building” although paramedics are still using the building seven years later.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “To ensure the new Inglewood ambulance branch is safe for paramedics and delivers the required amenity and functionality for paramedics to quickly respond to local emergencies, the difficult decision was made to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance branch.
“The condition of the existing buildings onsite, including the old Inglewood Ambulance branch are poor and no longer fit-for-purpose.
“The ongoing yearly costs to maintain the buildings and keep them safe and functional is significant.
“Demolition of the old Inglewood ambulance branch will get underway in the coming weeks, once Inglewood’s hard-working paramedics move into their new, multi-million-dollar facility,” Ms Haylett said.
The old station is the only remaining building on the site after demolition last year of the ambulance residence before construction of the new station.
The department has been asked for further information on the 2016 report and main-tenance costs over the last seven years.