Plans for an Emergency Services Centre in the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills area could be put into action if councillors decide to endorse the Lake Cathie Community Plan at the March council meeting.
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The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting starts from 5.30pm at the Wauchope Showground Hall and community members are welcome to attend.
Community plans are designed to identify each community's vision, priorities and actions to achieve positive change, while recognising the unique qualities of each community and the challenges posed by significant forecast growth.
The plan for Lake Cathie was completed as a result of extensive consultation with residents and development of the plan with the area's Community-Council Action Team. Feedback from residents on the draft plan has also been taken into account.
Action to advocate for emergency services including Ambulance NSW, Rural Fire Service and NSW SES to be located in the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills region was included in the plan, as a result of the feedback.
Lake Cathie resident and Saving Lake Cathie member, Stewart Cooper will address councillors at the March 18 meeting.
It's Mr Cooper's hope for the plan to be used constructively to assist a rapidly growing community.
"Some of the actions which have been included cannot be carried out by council, but we are looking for council to assist and advocate on behalf of the community," he said.
Mr Cooper gave the example of the need for a police and ambulance presence in Lake Cathie.
"The action in the plan is an Emergency Operations Centre which could be used to provide a lower cost presence for all of the services, rather than individual buildings," he said.
Mr Cooper referenced the ageing demographic and elderly population who live in the area and said there is serious concern amongst residents in relation to ambulance waiting times.
The use of an Extended Care Paramedic (ECP), Mr Cooper said, within the facility would also have a positive impact.
"It is proven to reduce the need to transport and also as a result, hospital visits," he said.
"This model is being used in other areas of the state successfully."
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