Policy: Paid Paramedics for Mannum

Mannum is a community on the rise. With more families choosing to live here and tourism continuing to grow, the demand for reliable healthcare and emergency services has never been greater. Right now, our town relies almost entirely on volunteer ambulance officers who give their time generously and do an outstanding job under pressure. But the reality is that the number of call-outs keeps climbing, and volunteers alone can no longer carry the full weight of this responsibility. When lives are on the line, we cannot afford to leave Mannum without the certainty of professional, round-the-clock coverage.

The State Government has recently recognised the need in Strathalbyn, with plans to place paid paramedics there in the near future. While this is welcome news for Strathalbyn, Mannum remains overlooked — despite sharing the same challenges of growth, distance from major hospitals, and increasing emergency demand. My policy calls for the establishment of a paid paramedic presence in Mannum, to bring fairness and equity to our region.

Importantly, this initiative is not about replacing or diminishing our volunteers. It is about supporting them. Paid paramedics would work alongside volunteers to strengthen the system, ensuring that no single responder is stretched beyond their capacity and that every call for help is answered swiftly. This partnership would provide stability, reduce burnout among volunteers, and build a stronger safety net for the entire community.

By investing in paid paramedics for Mannum, we are investing in peace of mind. Families, businesses, and visitors deserve the reassurance that professional emergency care is available whenever it is needed. This policy will ensure that Mannum is not left behind, that lives are protected, and that our growing town has the same modern, reliable services that larger centres already enjoy.