August 2025
Woodgate residents currently rely on the services of a Queensland Ambulance First Responder team as our first line emergency medical care. This group of expertly trained volunteers provide vital first-response care and assessment to residents and visitors during a medical emergency.
It is acknowledged that this team of volunteers provide an excellence in service to the community, however the lack of a permanent ambulance station has been a topic of concern for sometime, due to the distance from hospitals and, there being no local general practice.
In addition, while the local First Responder volunteer numbers at 19, the team only has capacity to fill two 24-hour rosters per week at present. This is due to the requirement to have two members rostered and personal availability limiting some volunteer hours.
On behalf of residents, the WDRA is advocating alongside local First Responders and government representatives for a permanent station in the future.
Letters of support from the community were sent to the Commissioner Queensland Ambulance Services and, State Member for Burnett, Mr Stephen Bennett has provided his support by corresponding with Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services on the matter.
Response from Minister for Health & Ambulance Services
Thank you for writing to Minister Nicholls in relation to the vacant land owned by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) at Woodgate Beach and the resourcing of ambulance services in that area. In this instance, he has asked that I respond to you on his behalf.
The Childers Ambulance Station continues to provide coverage to Woodgate Beach and the surrounding community. In addition, the QAS maintains support from the Woodgate Beach First Responder Group (FRG), and additional resources from both the Bundaberg South and Howard ambulance stations remain available to provide assistance, when required.
The QAS regularly reviews service needs across Queensland to ensure resources are allocated effectively. These assessments take into account a range of factors, including population, accessibility, response patterns, demand for service, population risk profiles and the availability of health infrastructure in the area.
Demand for QAS services has remained stable in Woodgate Beach since the 2019-20 financial year, accordingly, there are no immediate plans to construct an ambulance station on the vacant land.
Thank you again for your continued interest in this matter.
Response from Craig Emery, QAS Commissioner to Mr Lino Bargarozz re letters of support, 12 Nov 2025
On the 12th November he received a reply; following are the pertinent points.
- QAS are presently investigating expansions of stations and staff
- QAS is receptive to the ownership of two blocks of land at Woodgate (??)
- Also to the alternative positioning of a proposed station
- QAS is receptive to having First Responders as back up or assist as required
- QAS intent to invite interested representatives to a discussion at Woodgate early in January 2026
- QAS have spoken to Stephen Bennett about the request and the land held by Qld Health
Further updates will be provided on FB when they occur. At this stage no date has been set for the meeting.