The Snowy Mountains is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 17 paramedics starting work in the community from next month.
These additional paramedics will be based at Cooma Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the broader Snowy Mountains as part of NSW Ambulance's highly mobile workforce, including aeromedical coverage.
This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas. NSW Ambulance is working with staff to prepare for their commencement in Cooma on Saturday 16 May.
The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.
Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are already working across the southern NSW region.
The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance's evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.
Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff to meet the growing health needs of regional communities and relieve pressure on our health system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.
"After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.
"The addition of 17 paramedics based at Cooma will provide vital support to the Snowy Mountains, ensuring the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
"Seventeen additional paramedics for Cooma more than doubles the numbers we have had previously. It is a huge boost for emergency care helping Cooma and the region. It is also going to be a significant help to our busy and dedicated existing paramedics.
"I've been working with health Minister Ryan Park for the last couple of years on getting more Paramedics for the Snowy Monaro region. He has visited stations with me and we have discussed response times and needs. I'm thrilled that the Minns Labor Government has been able to deliver this massive boost.
"This recognises that Cooma is a key hub for the Snowy Monaro, it will enhance services for Cooma but also help Bombala, Jindabyne and Adaminaby along with all the rural areas. This is a big day for emergency services in our area and I am delighted to be able to deliver.
"Long term residents will know my commitment to emergency services and ambulance in this region, in my previous period as local member we got new Bombala and Cooma ambulance stations and just recently I announced progress on the new Jindabyne station."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:
The boost to our paramedic workforce in Cooma will further enhance frontline emergency care for local residents and visitors across the Snowy Mountains.
"Ahead of a busy winter and snow season, this extra staffing will help ensure NSW Ambulance is well‑placed to respond to emergencies and continue delivering timely, high‑quality care when it's needed most."
