- The Nationals WA will commit $2.25 million from Royalties for Regions towards a brand new St John Ambulance sub centre and first aid training facility in Geraldton.
- The existing sub centre built in 1979 is no longer fit for purpose and faces ongoing maintenance issues.
- The total project cost is expected to be around $4.5 million, with St John Ambulance providing the remaining funds.
The Nationals WA will provide $2.25 million from Royalties for Regions towards a brand new St John Ambulance sub centre in Geraldton if returned to Government at the 2021 State election.
Leader Mia Davies and Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney made the announcement alongside local St John Ambulance volunteers and regional managers at the existing St John sub centre today.
“The existing St John Ambulance sub centre has well and truly served its purpose and is in need of a replacement to continue to meet the health and training needs of the Geraldton community and the needs of local staff and volunteers who utilise the sub centre,” Ms Davies said.
The St John Ambulance sub centre is over 40 years old, has become overcrowded, and faces many maintenance issues which present challenges for staff and volunteers.
“St John Ambulance Geraldton has over 100 volunteers, paramedics, and administration and support staff using a space designed for half that number of people,” Ms Davies sad.
“One team works from an old house on the property due to a lack of space and the building also has a significant issue with water leaking through the roof, impacting staff and putting medical supplies at risk.
“The Nationals believe local volunteers and staff deserve better, and we’ve committed to help build a modern, fit-for-purpose St John Ambulance facility in Geraldton,” Ms Davies said.
Local MP for Geraldton Ian Blayney said he was delighted to support a replacement Geraldton sub centre for St John Ambulance and the wider community.
“The new facility will also include a dedicated first aid training facility to support St John Ambulance to deliver life-saving skills to Geraldton and the Mid West,” Mr Blayney said.
“This will be a major upgrade from the current facility, where training activities are often carried out on the concrete floor in the ambulance garage due to no other space being available.”
St John Head of Country Justin Fonte said: “We continue to serve Western Australian communities right across the state, but we are always looking at where and how we can improve our infrastructure. There is little doubt an upgrade of our facilities in Geraldton will be put to good use.”
