Bacchus Marsh ambulance station
Mr McGHIE (Melton) (10:06): I rise to inform the house that in February last year I joined the Honourable Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, to turn the sod for the new Bacchus Marsh ambulance station. The new $3 million branch includes construction of five dedicated ambulance response bays, four rest and recline rooms, medication management, improved security and staff car parking. Upgrading and renewing high-priority ambulance stations supports achievement of the commitment from the Victorian government to improve response times and ensure paramedics are supported to care for their communities now and in the future . Three weeks ago Minister Mikakos and I opened the new branch. It was a great event, and the paramedics were thrilled with their new facility. Response times in Bacchus Marsh and the Moorabool shire have improved significantly in recent times. The advanced life support paramedic teams operate from the existing branch, providing 24-hour operations. It includes two 24-hour ambulances and the Darley peak period unit. It also includes a four-wheel drive response unit located at Bacchus Marsh.
The government has committed $181.8 million for Ambulance Victoria capital projects since 2015–16, reflecting a strong commitment to providing modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for paramedics. As a former paramedic I know how important high-quality facilities are to those we count on to save local lives. I would like to extend my thanks to the hardworking paramedics in Bacchus Marsh.