July 2007

Ocean Grove ambo station open

Ambulance services on the Bellarine Peninsula have received a major boost with the opening of the Ocean Grove Station.

The new $1.2 million station—which replaces a temporary Ocean Grove branch that operated during the construction of the new station—will provide 24-hour emergency response and is home to 11 full-time paramedics to help meet population growth and demand for services across the greater Geelong region.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said Ocean Grove would receive a further $1.3 million every year to maintain the team of paramedics and the station’s life-saving operating equipment.

Two million dollars was also allocated in the 2007–08 State Budget for the upgrade of Geelong, Norlane and Belmont stations.

Ocean Grove station primarily services the growing communities of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliffe and is integral to the greater Geelong area.

Last year, the temporary Ocean Grove branch responded to more than 2,600 calls, the overwhelming majority of which were Code 1 and Code 2 emergency cases.

Rural Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jon Holloway said the new Ocean Grove station had already carved out an important role for emergency services in the region.

‘RAV and the Government recognises the growing needs of the region and has invested in the establishment of this new branch to strengthen ambulance services and generally improve access to the health system,’ Mr Holloway said.

‘The new branch offers excellent facilities, enabling our paramedics to provide the best possible service to the community.’