Murrindindi Shire Council has endorsed the Murrindindi Health Network Plan 2026-2036, a coordinated 10-year roadmap to improve health outcomes, strengthen local services and address critical workforce challenges across the Shire.
The Plan was developed through Forestry Transition funding and led by the Murrindindi Health Network, a collaboration between Alexandra and District Heath, Yea District Memorial Hospital, Darlingford Upper Goulburn Nursing Home, Kellock Lodge, Menzies Support Services and Omnia Community Health. The plan is based on detailed analysis of the current state, extensive consultation and options analysis and builds on growing evidence that fragmented service delivery is contributing to poorer health outcomes, as well as critical skills and employment shortages, across the municipality.
Portfolio Councillor for Economic Development, Local Jobs and Skills, Cr Sandice McAulay said the Plan represents a significant step forward in improving access to care for local residents.
"We know our community faces real challenges when it comes to accessing health services, from workforce shortages through to the need to travel outside the Shire for care," Cr McAulay said.
"Residents are navigating multiple services, travelling long distances, or delaying care because it's too hard to access. That has real impacts on people's health and wellbeing."
"This Plan brings partners together with a clear, coordinated approach to improving services and outcomes for our dispersed community over the next decade."
"The plan aligns with the Victorian Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027 and provides a clear roadmap for how services and local employment opportunities can be strengthened across dispersed rural communities."
The Plan highlights the scale of the challenge, including high rates of preventable hospitalisations, increasing demand for mental health services and ongoing workforce shortages across general practice, nursing and allied health.
Without coordinated action, Murrindindi is expected to continue experiencing avoidable health outcomes, including an estimated 10 to 11 preventable deaths each year.
Cr McAulay said the strength of the Plan lies in its collaborative, community-centred approach.
"This is not something any one organisation can solve alone," she said.
"This Plan is about working together, across health services, community organisations and Council, to deliver a more connected and sustainable local health system."
The Plan outlines early priorities including improved service navigation, transport and mental health access, alongside longer-term work to strengthen workforce pipelines, training and digital health solutions.
Council is already using the Plan to support advocacy, including submissions to the Federal Government's aged care reforms and calls for improved mental health services in the region.
Cr McAulay said Council will continue to play a key role in bringing partners together to drive implementation.
"Council's role is to help facilitate these conversations and ensure our community's needs are clearly represented as this work progresses," she said.
To learn more and view the Plan, visit: https://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Council/Corporate-Documents/Strategies-and-Plans/Murrindindi-Health-Network-Plan
