By Bonny Burrows
The State Opposition will fund a new West Gippsland hospital if elected to government in 2018.
Calls for a new West Gippsland hospital have heated up in recent times, with the Committee for Gippsland lobbying for its funding in the upcoming State Budget.
Mooted for an already acquired vacant site in Drouin’s east, C4G’s plans for the multi-level hospital include a 60-bed high care aged care facility, dedicated medical helipad with direct access to the emergency department, larger hospital with more beds and increased services, multi-level car parking and improved clinical facilities and patient amenities.
The State Government has yet to commit to funding the hospital, estimated to cost $400 million, to replace the “outdated” Warragul hospital and meet growing demand from Baw Baw and Cardinia shires.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy told The Gazette the government was working “closely with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group” and would have more to say on this matter in the near future”.
She would not elaborate further, however, State Opposition leader Matthew Guy and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood pledged the funding during a visit to Warragul hospital on Friday.
If the State Government does not green-light the project, come the 2018 election a Liberal Nationals Government “will commence detailed planning for construction”.
“Matthew Guy and his team have understood the current needs of West Gippsland and have recognised the future demand the West Gippsland Hospital will face with enormous population growth and an ageing population,” Mr Blackwood said.
“It is very pleasing that after almost 10 years of lobbying and advocacy, a new hospital will now be built on the greenfield site.”
Committee for Gippsland chief executive Mary Aldred described the announcement as a “tremendous win” for the broader community.
“While there is some work still to be done, today’s announcement is a game-changer for the region, because we now know that a new West Gippsland hospital will get built,” Ms Aldred said.
“It’s a transformational opportunity for Gippsland and an historic day for our region.”
