Council releases survey results on proposed ADH-Eastern Health amalgamation
Murrindindi Shire Council has today released the results of its community survey on the proposed voluntary amalgamation between Alexandra District Health (ADH) and Eastern Health (EH).
The survey, open for 16 days and attracting 278 responses, was designed to capture community sentiment specifically regarding the amalgamation proposal. Responses were received from across the Shire, with the largest representation from Alexandra and Yea.
The results revealed a wide range of views. The majority of respondents expressed concern, confusion or scepticism about the amalgamation, with many highlighting potential impacts on local services, leadership, local decision-making, and of the need for clear information about what amalgamation would mean for the community. Uncertainty was also noted regarding the possible effects on both ADH and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.
A smaller proportion of respondents indicated conditional or full support for the proposal, citing possible benefits such as improved access to specialist services, workforce development opportunities, and long-term sustainability, provided strong safeguards and local representation are maintained.
Council's survey was conducted alongside a separate survey by ADH and EH, which sought broader feedback on community healthcare. In contrast, Council's survey was specifically geared to understand community sentiment about the actual amalgamation proposal.
Mayor Damien Gallagher said the results reinforce the importance of ensuring the community is fully informed and actively involved.
"We know that our community cherishes our committed and caring professional healthcare workers. We undertook this survey to ensure every person in our Shire had a clear and accessible way to share their views on the proposed amalgamation. What we've heard is that people care deeply about their local health services and want more clarity, more transparency and more time to understand the implications of this proposal," he said.
"We will share this report directly with the Boards of ADH and Eastern Health, so community perspectives are front and centre in their decision-making. Council will continue advocating for accessible, high-quality, locally responsive health care for our communities."
Council encourages the community to read the full report, which provides a more detailed breakdown of views, themes, and suggestions raised by participants.
The full survey report is now available to read here(PDF, 784KB) .
