COUNCILLOR Alex Christian can't understand why a new state-of-the-art facility doesn't have typical environmentally-friendly measures.
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The new ambulance station on Commonwealth Street was completed earlier this year, with its official opening just days away.
While the facility was built to address the demands placed on paramedics, the building has only one 5000-litre water tank and no solar panels at all.
"The brand new ambo station was built with no solar panels and only a 5000L tank, which is bugger all," Cr Christian said.
"It's ridiculous. I'm no greenie, but I think it is important that we do things where we can."
Bathurst is currently in drought, with water restrictions in place due to the declining level at Chifley Dam.
Cr Christian said the new ambulance station should have been required to have a solar array and more water tanks, especially when steps were being taken to make Bathurst a Smart City.
"We residents are asked to do things all the time, but for a new building to not have this when we're in drought, it's a joke," he said.
Health Infrastructure (HI), which was responsible for the design of the new ambulance station, said it was committed to including sustainability principles in the design and construction of health projects.
Solar panels were considered for the Bathurst facility and other new ambulance stations, but were ultimately not included in the budget.
"The potential for inclusion of solar power was considered as part of overall planning for the Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program," HI said.
"We have not proceeded with the installation of solar panels, instead a decision was made to focus on the delivery of purpose-built NSW Ambulance stations to support the clinical capability of our highly trained paramedics with the funding that was available."
Although panels weren't included, provisions were made so they could be installed at a later date.
HI said that other environmentally-friendly practices are undertaken at the Bathurst Ambulance Station.
"Where possible, new ambulance stations incorporate sustainable design principles by optimising the building layouts and orientation, minimising non-renewable energy consumption, using environmentally preferred building products, and protecting and conserving water usage," the organisation said.
"Sustainable design measures at Bathurst Ambulance Station include water saving measures, external lighting on timers and motion sensor lighting."
