A new Melton Hospital will become a reality following a very welcome $75 million State Budget announcement today. The Victorian Government has committed funds to purchase the land and undertake detailed planning and early works for the hospital.
City of Melton Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik said it was fantastic news for the whole community.
"Together with our community, we've lobbied very hard over a number of years for a much-needed public hospital in Melton," Cr Majdlik said.
"To have this funding commitment makes this vital project very real.
"This is not just an investment in good health but also in local jobs and we thank the Victorian Government for recognising that.
"As one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, we know a hospital is essential to respond to the health needs of our community. It's something the west desperately needs and deserves.
"From an investment perspective, the new hospital will create 3825 long-term jobs. Locating the hospital within the Cobblebank Metropolitan Activity Centre will trigger further investment and help transform the City of Melton into an economic centre of state-wide importance.
"An incredible 21,000 people supported our campaign for a local public hospital, and outcomes like these are a credit to our whole community. I'd also like to acknowledge the work of former Mayors who have advocated for the Melton Hospital over the years. It's been a team effort on a grand scale and we can all be proud of the result.
"We look forward to construction starting in 2022 which will hopefully see the hospital operational by 2026."
The Victorian Government's business case into the Melton Hospital will be released by the end of the year and will guide planning of the facility. The next steps will include the government acquiring the land and allocating significant funds to construct the facility.
