St John is still dedicated to finding a suitable site for its new ambulance base in Oamaru after having its preferred location rejected.
The organisation asked the Waitaki District Council in February to lease part of Awamoa Park for the proposal.
Seven councillors voted against the idea on Monday.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher and deputy mayor Melanie Tavendale were the only votes in favour, while Cr Kelli Williams was absent.
St John South Island general manager Craig Stockdale confirmed yesterday the organisation would continue looking for a site.
"We are still committed to finding a suitable site for a new ambulance station in Oamaru," Mr Stockdale said.
The organisation’s property team and Oamaru area committee had worked on the proposal for several years, as its Coquet St station was no longer fit for purpose.
The council has agreed to help St John find a new site for its base.
"We do hope that you end up with a good facility in the right location as soon as possible. The challenge is really to the community to step up, and provide you with the extra funding that is probably going to be needed," Mr Kircher said.
