THE presence of NSW Premier Mike Baird at the opening of the $4 million Wagga Road ambulance station didn’t stop the work of paramedics.
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Just before Mr Baird was about to make his speech at the Lavington station, a call came through and an ambulance was despatched.
The station replaces the former ambulance headquarters in Dean Street, which had served the city since 1934.
“This state-of-the-art ambulance station has been specifically designed to cater for the growing needs of Albury and the surrounding community,” Mr Baird said.
“This delivery of this new station will result in improved response times, extra space and upgraded facilities for paramedics.
“Greg Aplin has been an incredibly powerful voice for the Albury community and he relentlessly pushed for this key project.”
Mr Aplin said the second station would better serve the city’s needs.
“The old Albury ambulance station served the community well for a long time,” he said.
“It only had room for 26 paramedics and nine ambulances.
“This station will be able to host 38 paramedics and 12 ambulances along with increased senior paramedics and training staff.”
Mr Baird and Mr Aplin were joined at the opening by NSW Ambulance commissioner Ray Creen and his senior assistant Michael Hamden.
The opening started with a welcome to country by Wiradjuri elders Nancy Rooke and Darren Wighton.
The site was partly occupied by the former Pascoe Burns Plumbing Supplies building which burnt down in 2006.