WEDDERBURN residents’ long wait for a full-time ambulance service is set to lengthen.
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The state Coalition government says it has no immediate plans to roll out a service in the Loddon Shire town.
That is despite the town’s current local MP Peter Walsh calling for a Wedderburn-based service while in opposition in 2010.
Mr Walsh this week vowed to continue to back the community’s campaign for a service, but hinted it was a long way off.
"I continue to keep the health service issues of Wedderburn on the radar of the Minister for Health,” he said.
“Advice from Ambulance Victoria is that at present Wedderburn is not identified as a rural location recommended for immediate service upgrades based on the combination of caseload and response times which form the basis for strategic requirements for AV decision making regarding strategic location for Ambulance Victoria.
“However, this is an issue that I will continue to raise with the Minister for Health and Ambulance Victoria.”
Wedderburn will move from Mr Walsh’s Swan Hill electorate into the Labor-held seat of Ripon at the November 29 state election.
Loddon Shire Mayor Gavan Holt said council had held discussions with all four Rippon candidates and been given a “good hearing”.
He said the lack of an ambulance service was compounded by other serious health issues facing the town, including the lack of a hospital, aged care facility and reside t doctor.
“There are no other towns around our region our size with such a lack of services,” Cr Holt said.
“The fact remains in relation to health services, if you look at towns like Inverleigh, Boort, Birchip, Donald, Dunolly and Charlton, they all have a hospital.
“If you are in an emergency situation in Wedderburn, you are in a fair bit of strife … especially on weekends.”