First look at Birdwood’s new ambulance station

Adelaide Hills residents have been given their first glimpse of the $2.2 million ambulance station planned for Birdwood, with building designs unveiled.

The project would deliver the town of Birdwood its first ever purpose-built SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) station, replacing the ageing facility at Mount Pleasant that is no longer fit for purpose.

The new station, located on Harms Avenue, will provide a modern, first class facility for our hard-working ambulance crews. The station will be bigger, with the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 volunteer staff and three vehicles.

The Birdwood build forms part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $11.7 million commitment to the SAAS Country Capital Reserve Fund over four years, which includes stations to be rebuilt in Strathalbyn, Port Augusta, Roxby Downs and Hawker and major upgrades of stations at Meadows, Goolwa, Port Broughton, Tailem Bend, Gladstone, Kapunda, Coonalpyn and Lameroo.

Construction of the stations in Strathalbyn and Port Augusta are expected to start later this year.

Interim SA Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer, Rob Elliott, said the move from Mt Pleasant to Birdwood for the new station followed careful planning and understanding of the demand in the area.

“The current Mount Pleasant station has been in operation for more than 35 years and in recent times our crews have outgrown the facilities,” Mr Elliott said.

“Our volunteers are looking forward to calling the new Birdwood station home, and I thank them for embracing the move.

“Planning and approval is complete, and a contractor has been recommended. We are very excited to see building works start in the coming months.”

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year.