Work has started on a state-of-the-art emergency services precinct that includes ambulance, police and fire stations.
The facility will include a $7.9 million ambulance station, a $13.5 million police station and $8.5 million Fire and Rescue Service station.
The precinct, which is believed to be one-of-a-kind in Queensland, is set to support the high-growth area of Caloundra South.
Ground was broken at a site in the new Aura Town Centre on Thursday, with construction to start by the end of the year.
The precinct will include a $7.9 million ambulance station, a $13.5 million police station and a $8.5 million Fire and Rescue Service station.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the infrastructure will make a significant difference.
“To have these three emergency services in one location will mean residents will receive the best response possible during an emergency,” he said.
Land was earmarked for the precinct as part of the Caloundra South ‘Aura’ Priority Development Area Agreement, through the Department of State Development.
The Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said the ambulance station would be purpose-built.
“The new ambulance station will include a 10-bay plant room, office and write-up space, equipment recharge area, break and locker rooms, a multi-function rest, study rooms as well as a secure staff and visitor on-site parking,” she said.
“It will initially be staffed by 16 paramedics and one officer-in-charge and will deliver a 24/7 operational ambulance service to the area once operational.”
Queensland Police Commissioner Katrina Carroll said the police station was required in a fast-growing region.
“We know the Sunshine Coast and in particular, the Caloundra area continues to see rapid growth in population and infrastructure,” she said.
“It is very exciting to see this work underway, and I look forward to the resources this will provide Caloundra Police to deliver efficient policing in the area.
“It is fundamental that the service we provide is adequate to the current and future needs of the community.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said the fire station would “provide a boost for frontline firefighting in this rapidly growing community.”
“Firefighters in this part of the Sunshine Coast respond to a vast range of incidents and once complete this station will provide a state-of-the-art facility from which they can continue to deliver the high standard of service the community relies upon.”
The Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the police and fire stations were needed.
“They reflect the fact that this is a growing region and the government’s overwhelming priority is community safety,” he said.
“The FRS facility is expected to be complete by mid next year and will become part of the Caloundra FRS Command, alongside a mix of existing permanent and auxiliary FRS stations.”
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