A NSW Health Infrastructure (HI) spokesperson said the new facility is part of a $1 billion investment in ambulance services and capital.

The first sod was turned at the site for Bathurst’s new ambulance station on May 7, with local company Hines Construction tasked with making the design a reality.

“Construction of the new station began two months ago, which will replace the 89-year-old station on William Street,” the HI spokesperson said.

“Bulk earthwork has been completed and the concrete slab pour has commenced.

“The next major milestone will see the erection of the frame, followed by the roof and external cladding.

“Work remains on schedule for completion in early 2019. NSW Ambulance will then undertake a fit-out and operational commissioning phase prior to the commencement of operations from the new facility.”

The NSW Government acquired a greenfield site in Commonwealth Street to build the ambulance station and had its plans approved by Bathurst Regional Council in February.

However, it was not without controversy. 

The Australian Paramedics Association (APA) and members of the public have criticised the location, saying it is too close to the sewerage treatment plant and paramedics would be exposed to odour because of it. 

“Our paramedics deserve better than to be housed in a new building on a flood plain, within a whiff of decaying human excrement,” APA secretary Steve Pearce said last year.

Odour mitigating measures were part of the plans for the new ambulance station and included installing air conditioning intakes away from the sewage treatment plant.

Planting along the north-western and north-eastern site boundaries will also occur to provide screening and filtering of odour emissions.

Once completed, the new ambulance station will include parking for up to 10 emergency ambulance vehicles, administration and office areas, amenities, logistics and storage areas, a fleet maintenance area, external wash bay, an advanced training complex and staff parking.

“The new station will ensure local paramedics have fit-for-purpose infrastructure to better meet the emergency medical care needs of the local community,” the HI spokesperson said.

At this stage, the future use of the existing ambulance station on William Street is unknown, but the HI spokesperson said it will be determined after the operational commissioning of the new facility.