In a massive boost to regional health services, a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will deliver a new purpose-built Medical Precinct for the Huon Valley, including a Mental Health Hub.
The $15 million Precinct will deliver 100 per cent bulk-billing GP appointments, as well as after-hours and weekend services.
It will also become a new, expanded, permanent space for the delivery of mental health outreach programs for the region, including for young people.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in the first 100 days of our re-election, we'll work with the local community, the Huon Valley Council, and existing local health services to determine the best site for the new Precinct.
"The Tasmanian Liberals are getting on with the job of delivering better healthcare right across the State, including in our rural and regional areas," Premier Rockliff said.
"On top of building the Precinct, a re-elected Liberal Government will provide funding for a Nurse Practice Manager, and reception and administrative staff, providing more local jobs in the region.
"We know the community has identified the need for more bulk-billing GPs and improved access to mental health support as top priorities for the Huon Valley.
"The new Huon Valley Medical Precinct will not only ease the pressure on local GPs, but will also ensure residents in the Huon Valley have greater access to health services closer to home.
"By providing a new, bigger space for the delivery of mental health services, we can deliver increased access to some of our new innovative mental health programs in the region. This includes the State's first Youth Mental Health program for young people with severe and complex mental health needs.
"This will be the first of our five new GP bulk-billing clinics, in addition to our investment in GP clinics in Legana, Bicheno, and Latrobe."
Additionally, a re-elected Liberal Government will partner with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania to deliver a fully equipped dental clinic at the Dover Medical Centre.
"Our $150,000 investment will deliver state-of-the-art dental equipment, including a dental chair, X-ray machine, sterilisation units, and other essential instruments - allowing RFDS dentists and oral health therapists to provide high-quality dental care on-site," Premier Rockliff said.
"The new Dover Medical Centre Dental Clinic is expected to be operational within the next six months, and will free up the RFDS mobile dental vehicle to visit other rural and remote areas.
"RFDS Tasmania delivered almost 4,500 dental health services across the State in 2023-24, and our investment will boost these efforts even further, with around 1,000 more Tasmanians expected to benefit every year as a result.
"Tasmanians are sick of the politics. They want action. They want stability. And they want it now.
"Let's finish the job for Tasmania."
The new Huon Valley Medical Precinct builds on the Liberal Government's existing investments into regional health in the Huon Valley, including $1 million to upgrade Dover Medical Centre, and building two new ambulance stations at Snug and Cygnet.
