Proposed sites

The primary driver for site selection is the ‘science’ of where ambulance and fire service stations should be located to ensure the highest levels of community safety by achieving nationally agreed benchmarks for service response and coverage as the ACT grows geographically and in population.

An expert report prepared by Operational Research in Health Limited (ORH), a UK based research firm specialising in the application of sophisticated analysis and modelling techniques to support service planning for emergency services, sets out the geographical parameters for locating new ambulance or fire stations in order to achieve the nationally agreed benchmarks as the city expands.

In addition, consultation with operational staff highlighted the importance of being located close to a major arterial roadway facilitating speedy multidirectional egress.

Other factors considered included: environmental impacts such as flora and fauna, proximity to residential housing, stormwater and flood potential, road and traffic issues such as entry and exit points, cultural and heritage issues, landscape issues that would require significant engineering solutions, and current zoning of the land.

Phase 1 of the project delivers service improvements to the areas of highest priority.

Suitable sites have been identified in these priority areas through the complex modelling for optimal emergency services delivery:

Calwell/Conder

• The proposed site for South Tuggeranong is at the southeast roundabout intersection of Tharwa Drive (south) and Tharwa Drive (east) at the intersection with Drakeford Drive.

• The current fire station in Greenway is located in the Tuggeranong Town Centre on the corner of Scollay Street and Reed Street (south). In phase 2 the Greenway site will be converted to become a station for the ambulance service (relocated from Kambah).
• Calwell/Conder is proposed to be a stand-alone fire station.
• More information

Charnwood

• The proposed site for North West Belconnen is near the south west corner of Lhotsky Street and Tillyard Drive abutting Ginninderra Drive.

• The site will accommodate a new ambulance station and relocation of the exisiting fire station in Charnwood.
• The existing Charnwood fire station is considered obsolete and is not suitable for refurbishment.
• More information

Aranda

• The proposed site for Belconnen is on the border of Macquarie and Aranda, on Bindubi Street close to the south east intersection with Belconnen Way.

• The Belconnen ambulance and fire stations located on Lathlain Street are to be relocated to Aranda to improve operational responses.
• Aranda would be a co-located ambulance and fire station.
• More information

Extensive assessments have been undertaken to identify the characteristics of each site including engineering, environmental, cultural, and other studies. It is proposed that each of the new facilities is built to high standards of Environmentally Sustainable Development.