Site chosen for new ambulance station

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has confirmed the preferred site for the new King Island Ambulance Station, marking a significant step forward since the Tasmanian March 2024 pre-election announcement that new infrastructure for the island community would be built.

The proposed location is a vacant site at 25 Edward Street, Currie, situated in the southwest corner of the King Island District Hospital and Health Centre grounds. The site was selected for its strategic position adjacent to existing health facilities, ensuring improved coordination and response capabilities.

Minister for Health Jacquie Petrusma said the development reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting emergency services across Tasmania.

“The new King Island Ambulance Station will provide a dedicated, contemporary and purpose-built station that will cater for all of Ambulance Tasmania’s requirements, with capacity for future expansion of services for the island,” Minister Petrusma said.

The new facility will replace the current arrangement, where Ambulance Tasmania operates out of a shared Emergency Services Centre and limited facilities for the volunteer ambulance personnel. The purpose-built station aims to provide a more suitable and functional environment for both paid paramedics and volunteers.

“Since coming to Government, we have committed to building 16 new or upgraded ambulance station infrastructure for our expanding ambulance service, to ensure Tasmanians receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time,” Minister Petrusma said.

“As part of our 2030 plan, we’re delivering more new ambulance stations at King Island, Cygnet, Snug, and Legana.”

Ms Petrusma said in a statement that the Department of Health has worked closely with King Island Council, local Ambulance Tasmania volunteers, and the Tasmanian Health Service throughout the site selection process. Planning and design are already well advanced, and public consultation on the new station design is expected to begin next month.

A Government spokesperson added that while the exact timeline for project milestones is still being finalised, construction is expected to be completed by October 2026.