Sustainability at forefront of new Morwell Branch

The new, multi-million-dollar Morwell Ambulance Victoria (AV) super branch is now open, and it not only provides crews with updated facilities, but it is also sustainability-focused.

AV Gippsland Director Clinical and Regional Operations Ross Salathiel joined Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP to open the 24-hour, state-of-the-art facility.

The super branch on English Street spans over 1500 square metres, features a 12kW rooftop solar system, and is home to more than 60 paramedics.

The branch was custom-built to include a nine-bay garage for ambulances, eight rest and recline areas, training facilities, a fully equipped kitchen and improved security and car parking.

The rooftop solar system is expected to provide all the site’s energy requirements during the day, as well as providing a surplus in summer. The solar power inclusion in Morwell further bolsters AV’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2024.

This is one of many AV branches to adopt solar power, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Mr Salathiel said the opening of the new site marked an exciting milestone.

“The former branch on Spry Street served us well for many years, however, as our team and the local community grew it was clear the branch needed to grow with us,” he said.

“This new building is fully equipped with the space and resources our crews need to provide best care to our community here in Morwell and to the wider Gippsland region – now and well into the future.

“As a super branch, Morwell plays an important role in the Gippsland region as home to multiple paramedic, MICA paramedic, non-emergency patient transport and medium acuity transport teams.”

The branch was funded by the Victorian Government’s Ambulance Victoria Development Program and delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Ambulance Victoria (AV), and builder Kubale Constructions. The rooftop solar was funded by a VHBA Energy Efficiency and Solar Program grant.

It’s one of more than 45 new or upgraded ambulance branches since 2015, with others in the Gippsland region located at Foster, Moe, Morwell, Orbost, Paynesville, Sale, Traralgon, Warragul West and Yarram.