- Ground has broken at the site of a brand-new emergency services precinct at Caloundra South
- This investment will nearly double the number of police officers in the area
- $13.5 million was earmarked for the police facility, including state of the art facilities
- The brand new $7.9 million ambulance station and $8.5 million fire station will also be located at 2 Revelry Road, Bells Creek forming a precinct
- Badge Constructions was awarded the $20.23 million tender for all three stations with construction to start by the end of the year
Queenslanders living in the Caloundra South region are set to benefit from a brand-new emergency services precinct with ground-breaking on the site on Thursday.
The new emergency services precinct will include a $7.9 million state-of-the-art ambulance station, a $13.5 million purpose-built police station and $8.5 million modern Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) station.
A need for the new emergency services precinct was identified by the growing demand for emergency services and population growth in the Caloundra South area and surrounds.
Land was earmarked as part of the Caloundra South ‘Aura’ Priority Development Area Agreement through the Department of State Development with the precinct located in the new Aura Town Centre.
The new precinct will support the high-growth Caloundra South area, enhancing frontline services and helping to improve health outcomes for the Caloundra South community and surrounds.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
“We know that demand for health care continues to rise across the state, and the Sunshine Coast region is not immune.
“This purpose-built, state-of-the-art ambulance facility will deliver a modern fit for purpose ambulance station for the Caloundra South community and surrounds.
“The new ambulance station will include a 10-bay plant room, office and write-up space, equipment recharge area, break and locker rooms, a multi-function rest, study rooms as well as a secure staff and visitor on-site parking.
“It will initially be staffed by 16 paramedics and one officer-in-charge and will deliver a 24/7 operational ambulance service to the area once operational.
“It will complete the suite of emergency services planned for the new Caloundra South emergency services precinct.
“This is another great example of our government supporting our dedicated, hardworking frontline ambulance personnel so they can continue to focus on providing world-class emergency care to their community.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan:
“Investments like this are part of a watershed investment in policing across Queensland that will see the delivery of an extra 2,025 police personnel and a $300 million capital works program,” he said.
“They also reflect the fact that this is a growing region and the government’s overwhelming priority is community safety.
“Investments in policing in the Caloundra area demonstrate yet again, our commitment to local communities.
“Additionally, the FRS facility is expected to be complete by mid next year and will become part of the Caloundra FRS Command, alongside a mix of existing permanent and auxiliary FRS stations.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
“This is a special day for the Sunshine Coast region, as we welcome the announcement of the first ever emergency services precinct in Queensland.
“To have these three emergency services in one location will mean residents will receive the best response possible during an emergency.
“I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to delivering the infrastructure needed for our growing region.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery:
“It is an exciting chapter for the Queensland Ambulance Service, in particular the Sunshine Coast region, as we turn the sod on what will soon become the site of a state-of-the-art ambulance station in the region.
“Once complete the new Caloundra South Ambulance Station will provide even greater service and additional paramedics to continue to support the community.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Police Commissioner, Katrina Carroll:
“We know the Sunshine Coast and in particular, the Caloundra area continues to see rapid growth in population and infrastructure,” she said.
“It is very exciting to see this work underway, and I look forward to the resources this will provide Caloundra Police to deliver efficient policing in the area.
“It is fundamental that the service we provide is adequate to the current and future needs of the community.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach:
“It is exciting to be breaking ground for this new station, which will provide a boost for frontline firefighting in this rapidly growing community,” Commissioner Leach said.
“Firefighters in this part of the Sunshine Coast respond to a vast range of incidents and once complete this station will provide a state-of-the-art facility from which they can continue to deliver the high standard of service the community relies upon.”
