Media release – Rebecca White MP, Tasmanian Labor Leader, Labor Member for Lyons, 27 October 2023
Government continues to ignore regional community putting at risk new ambulance station
The Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has been forced to approve the development of the long overdue new Bicheno Ambulance Station in a location that business groups and residents have long opposed.
A new upgraded ambulance station in Bicheno is needed, and no one is suggesting otherwise, however Jeremy Rockliff has refused to consult with the community appropriately and instead chosen to plough ahead with his unpopular plans, putting at risk the new ambulance station.
Jeremy Rockliff did not even consult with the owners of the land before compulsorily acquiring the site.
Glamorgan Spring Bay Deputy Mayor Michael Symons himself stated when asked if the new site was the right one, “In my opinion it’s a poor choice and I think that’s backed up by the comments we are getting from the community and it’s also a position that’s supported by the council as well.”
Early this year Bicheno Investments, owners of the site at 60A Burgess Street, stated “we continue to be disappointed by the Department of Health’s inflexibility and unwillingness to take into account the pressing housing and tourism needs in this precious coastal town.”
They went on to say, “Their [State Government] current proposal would rip the heart out of this small-town precinct. The disregard of broader community issues is of concern to the wider community and inadequately addressed in their community engagement report released today.”
It is clear the State Government has not consulted widely enough and have disregarded the concerns of almost all key stakeholders, a hallmark of the Rockliff Minority Government.
Why are Jeremy Rockliff and Guy Barnett proceeding with this site against the wishes of the community?
The Liberal Government needs to stop, listen, and select a new site for the new Bicheno ambulance station.
