Chris Gulaptis and Richie Williamson with members of the Casino United Hospital Auxiliary and local paramedics Mikaela Moulle & Laura Belfanti
Casino locals in need of emergency care will now be catered for by Australia's newest state-of-the-art ambulance station.
At a ceremony attended by members of the local community, Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow, and Nationals' candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson on Monday, Clarence Nationals' MP Chris Gulaptis handed the keys to the new station to NSW Ambulance officers.
"We've reached the final milestone in the delivery of Casino's new ambulance station, which will provide our local paramedics with a high-quality base and the latest facilities and equipment to meet the current and future emergency care needs of our region," Mr Gulaptis said.
"The new station, conveniently situated right next door to the local hospital in Canterbury Street, has replaced a 90-year-old facility and will provide a contemporary working environment for paramedics and significantly enhance mobile emergency health care across the Northern Rivers.
"We know how much this new ambulance station means to the community of Casino, and the Nationals in NSW Government is thrilled to deliver this important health infrastructure for the community."
Mr Gulaptis said the new Ambulance Station includes internal parking for up to six emergency ambulance vehicles, staff rest facilities, administration and office areas, logistics and storage areas, an internal wash bay, and staff parking.
Nationals' Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said with construction of the station now complete, NSW Ambulance is undertaking operational commissioning activities, which includes testing systems and adding the finishing touches to the internal fit-out, ahead of the station becoming operational over the coming weeks.
"The NSW Nationals are committed to investing in rural and regional health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for our local communities," Mrs Taylor said.
"The $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program is delivering 54 new or upgraded ambulance stations across the state. It is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance's 127-year history."
NSW Ambulance has received funding for 2,128 additional staff and will build 30 more stations over the coming years after a $1.76 billion boost announced as part of the NSW Government's 2022-23 Budget.
The $1.76 billion over four years will fund NSW with 1,858 paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
