The Victorian government's state budget has revealed a two-year delay for the new ambulance station planned for Armstrong Creek in Geelong, leaving residents and emergency services frustrated.
Budget Blow for Growing Suburb
Originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the station is now expected to be operational in 2026. The delay was confirmed in the budget papers, which allocated funding for the project but pushed back the timeline.
Armstrong Creek is one of the fastest-growing areas in Geelong, with thousands of new homes and a rising population. Local residents have expressed concerns that the delay could strain existing ambulance resources and increase response times.
Community Reaction
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said the delay was disappointing, especially given the rapid development in the area. "We need infrastructure to keep pace with growth, and this delay is a setback for the community," he said.
Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman, also criticised the delay, calling on the government to prioritise emergency services. "Every minute counts in an emergency, and this delay puts lives at risk," he said.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Health said the project remained a priority, but complex site issues and supply chain challenges had contributed to the revised timeline. "We are committed to delivering this station and ensuring Armstrong Creek has the emergency services it needs," the spokesperson said.
The new station is part of a broader investment in ambulance infrastructure across Victoria, with several other projects also facing delays.
Impact on Response Times
Ambulance Victoria confirmed that response times in the Armstrong Creek area have been under pressure, with crews often responding from nearby stations in Waurn Ponds and Grovedale. The new station is expected to significantly reduce travel times to the southern growth corridor.
"We understand the community's concerns and are working to manage demand until the new station opens," an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.
The delay has reignited debate about infrastructure planning in growth areas, with calls for better coordination between state and local governments to ensure services keep up with development.
