With only two intensive care paramedics (ICPs) working on shift to cover the entire Clarence Valley, staff at Grafton Ambulance Station were joined by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson last week to officially launch an e-Petition, calling on the NSW Government to prioritise increasing staffing across the region.

Available online, Mr Williamson revealed the e-Petition needs 20000 signatures to force a debate in the Legislative Assembly, adding the Clarence Valley community deserves to have a safe and sustainable level of advanced clinical care.

The e-Petition is also calling on the NSW Government to upgrade the Grafton Ambulance Station from a Category B Station to a Category A Station, a change that would see ICP staff numbers jump to 12 and ensure round-the-clock specialist emergency care is provided throughout the Clarence Valley seven days a week.

Mr Williamson said the official launch of the e-Petition on November 25 was about standing alongside some of the most valued first responders in the region and supporting them while advocating for the health and safety of the local community.

The Member for Clarence said having 24/7 ICP coverage would mean faster access to advanced clinical skills for high-acuity patients, improved outcomes for trauma, cardiac and complex medical cases, more support for paramedic teams working in remote or challenging environments, increased career progression opportunities locally, and stronger clinical mentoring and development for all staff.

“The Clarence Valley has a population of over 56000 residents, and that number is growing very quickly,” he said.

“That number also increases during peak holiday times.

“We need to support our hard-working paramedics because they support us in our hour of need.”

Mr Williamson said it makes sense to have an increased number of ICPs in the Clarence Valley and is confident the local community show their support by signing the e-Petition.

ICP Chris Webb has worked in the Healthcare and Social Assistance Industry for close to four decades and has been based at the Grafton Ambulance Station for the past 16 years.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, he said ICP staffing numbers are “way below capacity”, and he hopes the e-Petition will gain the momentum needed to advocate for the much-needed upgrade and subsequent changes.

“Currently, with only two of us (ICPs) on shift, we only have minimal coverage in the Clarence Valley to back up other crews when responding to emergencies,” he explained.

“We need to get our numbers up.

“We’re asking the community to please get behind us and sign the e-Petition.”

Representing the Ambulance Division, North Coast, Luke O’Hearn said ICPs are committed to delivering the highest standard of emergency care but need adequate staffing to do so safely.

He said while paramedics in the Clarence Valley are doing everything they can, without 24/7 ICP coverage, patients are missing out on the advanced clinical care they deserve.

“This e-Petition, initiated by local paramedics, calls for Grafton Ambulance Station to be upgraded to a Category A station with 12 permanent ICP positions, a change that would transform emergency care across the region,” he said.

“We thank the Member for Clarence for standing with us, and for his continued advocacy on behalf of patients and paramedics throughout the Clarence Valley.”

Sign the e-petition at the link below.

This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 3 December 2025.