April 2026
Woodgate residents 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 while this team of volunteers provide an excellence in service to the community, the lack of a permanent ambulance station is a concern, due to the distance from hospitals, there being no local general practice, and First Responder volunteer numbers not being sufficient to cover a full week.
The WDRA has been working with local First Responders, residents and government representatives to lobby for a permanent station in the future.
The Queensland Government, to-date, has ruled out a station for Woodgate, citing upgraded and expanded resources at the Childers Ambulance Station and no increase in demand for services in Woodgate. (See responses below).
The campaign however will continue and to that end, the WDRA is forming a Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) to progress lobbying. Plans are in train to get the LAC up and running; awaiting on documentation from QAS regarding establishment.
In addition to the LAC, a benefit committee will be formed to assist with fundraising. The two committees will work with First Responders to achieve their goal.
Progress/points to note:
- The land next to the Bowls Club is held by Queensland Health in Trust. This land was donated to the community for the specific purpose of building an ambulance station. Consideration is underway at a Government level to transfer the land next to the hardware store for an ambulance station. This will mean the land next to the bowls club can be sold and money used for this purpose.
- It is envisaged that to begin, a training room will be built for First Responders. This may also include hotel style accommodation where a paramedic can be accommodated over the busy holiday period. Car accommodation will also be included.
- In the past money was raised for this purpose and that money is still available.
- Letters of support have been to the Commissioner Queensland Ambulance Services.
- State Member for Burnett, Mr Stephen Bennett provided support by corresponding with Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.
While a manned ambulance station may yet be years away it is important to take these first steps to get a foot in the door.
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