Thursday, November 13, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Growing Population Greater Needs

Residents of the Whitsundays may have spotted a newer, cleaner, sleeker looking ambulance rolling through town during the last few weeks, as the Whitsunday Ambulance Station gains a brand new Ambulance.

Acting Officer in Charge of the station Erin Maree Saltmarsh said that the fellow officers have been loving it, and despite it being at the station for four weeks, this week was the first time she had time to properly take a look at it, due to constantly being used on jobs.

The Whitsunday Ambulance Station now have five ambulances that service the growing population in the region.

"We're trying to plan for the growth in population and the increase in our workload here with QAS (Queensland Ambulance Service) in the Whitsundays," said Erin.

"By getting new vehicles that we know we can rely on, helps us to be able to get to the patients and those within the community quicker, and it's guaranteed we're going to get there, because there's nothing worse than if you have a vehicle breakdown and we're delayed.

"Having good equipment and the staff to be able to deal with the growth in the population is really important."

The new Ambulance is a Mercedes Sprinter 419 VS30 Van and is equipped with new technology. It contains an MDT, which allows operators to be dispatched through a screen, without using radios. It also has a Satelite Push to Talk device and a satelite phone too.

Amanda Camm MP Member for Whitsunday said that this new ambulance represents more than just a need for newer technology in the region.

"This represents an investment that recognises the continued growth and the importance of renewal of infrastructure and assets that we need for our frontline health services," she said.

"We know across particularly our Cannonvale area, our community continues to grow, and we need to continue to invest to keep up with that growth and deliver good outcomes."

With a growing population Ms Camm MP also said the region needs to look to the future, and she will be advocating and going to the Health Minister with talks to see further investment into the Whitsunday Ambulance Station.

The new ambulance at the Whitsunday Ambulance Station with staff and Amanda Camm MP. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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