The Glenorchy Ambulance super station was first announced in 2018
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DESIGN revisions, difficulty finding a site and Covid are being blamed for a delayed and more expensive Glenorchy ambulance superstation.
The station to be built on a greenfield site in Timsbury Rd in Glenorchy was pledged by the Liberals during the 2018 state election campaign.
It was then suggested planning and construction would start during 2018-19, with the new station expected to open in 2021.
However the project is currently in the request for tender stage.
The tender lists the maximum cost of the project as $12.5m — double the original $6m estimate and more than the $10m cost predicted in December.
Department of Health Associate Secretary Shane Gregory said planning for the station had been under way since 2019.
A site in Goodwood Rd was initially chosen, but was abandoned due to the showgrounds redevelopment.
“Following the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the design was also revised to incorporate additional infection control measures,” Mr Gregory said.
“In recognition of the revised requirements to meet Ambulance Tasmania’s operational needs and cost escalation associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, further funding was allocated in the 2021-22 Budget.
“The new Glenorchy Ambulance Station will allow for a growing paramedic workforce to service the region and provide the facilities needed to deliver exceptional out-of-hospital care well into the future.”
Mr Gregory said the closing date for tenders had been extended in consultation with industry to allow sufficient time for prospective tenderers to address technical aspects of the project.
Construction is expected to start in June 2023 and is due for completion December 2024.
Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said the ambulance station was an important health project that was now hopelessly delayed.
“Instead of delivering on their promises we now have the Liberal Government pushing back the tender closure date by another two weeks. More delays. No delivery,” Ms Dow said.
“In 2018 the Liberal Government announced $6 million to build the brand-new ambulance superstation. That cost has now more doubled to $12.5 million.
“Every time the Liberals drag their feet, stall on projects and not deliver on their promises it ends up costing Tasmanian taxpayers more money.
“These projects are now blowing out in costs, as we have seen with the new Brighton High School, and now with the Glenorchy Ambulance Superstation.”
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