Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has joined local paramedics in Grafton to launch a community e-Petition calling on the NSW Government to urgently support an increase Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) staffing across the Clarence Valley.
The e-Petition, now live on the NSW Parliament website, urges the government to upgrade Grafton Ambulance Station from a Category B to a Category A station – a change that would increase staffing to 12 ICP positions and deliver round-the-clock specialist emergency care for the region.
Mr Williamson said the community has waited long enough for a safe and sustainable level of advanced clinical support.
"The Clarence Valley is a vast region – over 10,000 square kilometres. It's home to more than 56,000 people, and visited by thousands more during peak periods," Mr Williamson said.
"We are more than an hour from regional trauma hospitals in Coffs Harbour and Lismore. With only two Intensive Care Paramedics currently based at Grafton, the level of coverage simply does not match the complexity, geography, or population of our region."
"Today's launch is about standing with our paramedics and calling on the NSW Government to act. Our community deserves access to the highest level of emergency care – 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
The Clarence Valley's emergency health workload is compounded by the presence of the Clarence Correctional Facility - the largest prison in Australia - which generates frequent high-acuity incidents requiring ICP attendance.
Mr Williamson said having 24/7 Intensive Care Paramedic coverage would mean:
• Faster access to advanced clinical skills for high-acuity patients
• Improved outcomes for trauma, cardiac and complex medical cases
• More support for paramedic teams working in remote or challenging environments
• Increased career progression opportunities locally
• Stronger clinical mentoring and development for all staff
Mr Williamson has raised these concerns directly with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park - both in person and in writing.
"Grafton is currently funded for six ICP positions, but by the end of October only two will remain. That is not good enough. We need a full review of the station's classification and staffing to protect the safety of our community."
Spokesperson for the Health Services Union - Ambulance Division, North Coast, Luke O'Hearn, said paramedics are committed to delivering the highest standard of emergency care but need adequate staffing to do so safely.
"Paramedics in the Clarence Valley are doing everything they can for their community, but without 24/7 Intensive Care Paramedic coverage, patients are missing out on the advanced clinical care they deserve," Mr O'Hearn said.
"This e-Petition, initiated by local paramedics, calls for Grafton Ambulance Station to be upgraded to a Category A station with 12 permanent ICP positions - a change that would transform emergency care across the region.
"We thank Richie Williamson for standing with us and for his continued advocacy on behalf of patients and paramedics throughout the Clarence Valley."
Mr Williamson urged residents across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys and the wider North Coast to add their name to the petition.
"This is a matter of community safety. The more names we gather, the stronger our case. I encourage every resident to sign the petition and help us send a clear message to the NSW Government: the Clarence Valley needs and deserves 24/7 ICP coverage."
