Construction on the new $8 million Gawler ambulance station has commenced and is set to be providing timely emergency care for our region by the end of 2025.
Situated on a 4,500 square metre site along Main North Road, Willaston, the new station will replace the existing Gawler facility, which has outgrown its capacity.
The new station, being constructed by Cook Build, will accommodate five ambulances and two light fleet vehicles, effectively doubling the capacity of the current Murray Street station.
The facility will also feature a dedicated training room, designed to support ongoing skills development for the region’s workforce and ensure the highest standards of training.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, joined Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton MP, builders and emergency staff for the official sod turning today and is pleased this important Election Commitment is being delivered.
“This move ensures our entire region is properly serviced and managed for emergency responses as Gawler and the surrounding areas continue to rapidly grow,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The positioning gives ambulances easier access to the expanding communities such as Roseworthy and Concordia, and other major roads such as Sturt Highway and Main North Road to avoid congestion and improve response times in multiple areas while still residing in the busy Gawler area.”
Minister Picton said the construction “is an exciting milestone for Gawler locals, who have long been calling for increased ambulance services and better infrastructure.”
“The Malinauskas Labor Government is listening to those calls and delivering on its promises,” said Minister Picton.
“We moved quickly on our pledge to hire more ambos to improve response times for South Australians in need.
“We’re also moving as fast as possible to build the critical infrastructure for these crews
“Our commitments will help ensure that when Gawler residents call for help in an emergency, they will get that assistance quickly.”
The new Gawler station will house the 24 paramedics who are currently based at the Murray Street station – including the additional 12-paramedic 24/7 emergency ambulance crew that came online in December 2022 – plus the new six-person Regional Medical Transfer Service, which came online at the end of 2023.
The additional Gawler team has made a significant impact as part of the Government’s investment in 350 new roles in the SA Ambulance Service, having responded to more than 1,500 incidents in Gawler and surrounds.
Construction will see about 20 workers on-site daily, with preparations underway and the concrete pour scheduled for November.
SAAS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rob Elliott said, “commencing construction on this strategically located site is a significant achievement for us.”
“With support from our infrastructure teams and various government departments, we are poised to deliver a facility that will greatly enhance our ability to respond to the Gawler region's growing needs,” CEO Elliott said.
“The new station on Main North Road will provide our crews with improved access to major roads and highways, which is expected to positively impact emergency responses across the northern and surrounding regions.”