Federation Council has resolved to commit $8,138 in funding towards a major, professional advocacy and lobbying campaign to push for a new, single-site Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital and better health service outcomes for regional communities.
The funding, drawing $2,000 from the Council's existing advocacy budget and $6,138 from unallocated RAMJO project funds, will support the Albury Wodonga Regional Local Health Alliance in engaging a specialist firm to lobby Federal and State Governments.
The campaign will focus on securing a fully-funded,greenfield, single-site hospital that meets the future health needs of the region, as outlined in the Clinical Services Plan 2021.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said Council's decision reinforced Council's mandate to address the wider issue of discrepancies in per−capita health funding for rural and regional areas compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
"This is more than just about a new building; it's about a fair deal for our entire community," said Mayor Cook.
"The Alliance needs professional firepower to get our message heard in Canberra and Spring Street. By contributing our share, we are standing firm on our commitment to secure a future-proof health service, not just for Albury Wodonga, but for all residents who rely on the entire border health network, including our local hospitals in Corowa and Urana."
The need for a new hospital stems from the widely held view among Alliance members, medical professionals, and the community that the current redevelopment plans for the Albury Hospital are insufficient. The Alliance's objectives for the lobbying firm are clear:
Raise high-level awareness that the current redevelopment plan is inadequate and present the case for a new single-site, greenfield hospital.
Lobby directly with Federal and State Health Ministers for a tri−partite approach to fully-fund the capital and operational costs.
Mobilise national and local media to highlight the benefits and the ongoing issues identified in the Clinical Services Plan 2021.
Mayor Cook said Council's resolution ensures that the lobbyist will not only champion the new hospital but will also focus on the heart of the matter: major funding discrepancies for regional health services.
"Our residents deserve the same level of care and investment as those in the city," she said.
"We must fight this per-capita funding shortfall to improve outcomes across our entire region."
Federation, Albury City, Indigo,Towong, and Alpine Councils have all committed funding to this advocacy project. Wodonga City Council's decision is pending their bi-election.
