A re-elected Baird Government would invest $6.6 million to fund a scoping study to determine the best site for the region’s ambulance station and to build the station.

It appears unlikely the existing station on William Street will be redeveloped to cope with the region’s growing needs, with a greenfields site now clearly the favoured option.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced the funding promise in Bathurst yesterday, saying it was a firm commitment that was not tied to the Baird Government’s controversial plans to sell off the poles and wires of the state’s electricity network.

She said the William Street ambulance station that had served the Bathurst region so well for so long was no longer suitable.

“This station is no longer big enough but it’s a beautiful heritage building in a highly visible location that would be perfect for some sort of adaptive reuse,” Ms Skinner said.

“This is a firm funding commitment today that is included in the forward capital works as part of our commitment to upgrading ambulance stations across NSW.”

Ms Skinner said paramedics were no longer seen as "ancillary” health staff and were now a “critical part of the health system”.

“Paramedics and ambulance officers are health care providers who are highly skilled and highly trained, and often see people at their worst,” she said.

“We are proud of what we have achieved in our four years in government after nothing was done in the previous 16 years.

“We have already opened a number of new ambulance stations and have increased the budget each year for ambulance services.”

NSW Ambulance Central West zone manager Brad Porter welcomed yesterday’s funding commitment, saying a larger, modern station would be a great boost for the local service.

Mr Porter said the William Street station was now home to 20 ambulance staff, three inspectors and the zone manager, the state volunteer co-ordinator, western region equipment officer and a fleet of 10 operational ambulances and a number of support vehicles.

“Space is the biggest issue but also the training needs are limited at this current station,” Mr Porter said.

“Response times can also be enhanced with a more efficient facility in terms of entries and exits.”

Bathurst MP Paul Toole said local ambulance officers had been lobbying him for some years about the need for upgraded premises and he was pleased to bring Ms Skinner to town to announce the government’s commitment.

He said a scoping study would look at all the needs of a new station.

“The scoping study will be looking at the existing site but also other sites in the area, thinking about the space requirements for a new ambulance station and also other needs like parking and response times,” Mr Toole said.

“This is a firm election commitment.”

Mr Toole said he hoped work on the station would begin within the next four-year term of government.