A regular visitor to Iluka, Brisbane resident Berni McGrory was happy to sign a petition calling on the NSW Government to build an ambulance station in the town. In the past, he has personally experienced the time it takes for an ambulance to respond. “I think the town needs an ambulance service,” he said. “It’s a long way to Maclean hospital.” Iluka residents John and Ann McLean spent the morning at the Iluka market on Sunday gathering signatures where, they say, people were keen to show their support for the idea. “We have an ageing population and it is our understanding that we have one of the highest over 60s populations in rural NSW,” Mr McLean said. “During the holiday season we believe that the population almost doubles. “In saying that, we need to take the Woombah and Chatsworth regions into account, which would also benefit. “Having an ambulance service in the area would also make response times quicker with accidents that occur on the Pacific Highway around the Iluka turnoff. “We have spoken with a lot of people whilst conducting this petition, and a lot of retirees [have said] they are reluctant to settle in Iluka because of the waiting time for an ambulance.” Petitions can be found at businesses throughout Iluka. The McLeans will soon be meeting with Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis to discuss their advocacy, with a plan to have the petition tabled in the NSW Parliament. People interested in helping or for more information, call John McLean on 0408 131 199.