Construction on the long-awaited $21 million health hub at Melton will start next year.
The former state government pledged $14 million to build Victoria’s first Community Ambulatory Care Centre at Barries Road in the lead-up to last November’s election.
At the time, the government said construction of the one-stop health centre would start this year and be finished by 2017.
But making the announcement last week, Melton MP Don Nardella said construction would start next year.
Once finished, the centre will provide adult and youth mental health services, a range of adult health, children and family services, drug and alcohol support, and Aboriginal health services.
Djerriwarrh Health Services will be the lead tenant at the centre, moving from the existing Melton Health building, which will eventually be demolished.
Midwest Area Mental Health, cohealth, Breakthru People Solutions, Odyssey House, Victorian Aboriginal Health Services, Mackillop Family Services and Pinarc are some of the other health agencies to be located at the new Ambulatory Care Centre.
The current government committed to the $14 million promised by the former government – $9 million will be funded through the health budget and $5 million through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution fund. Health providers will contribute the rest.
“Health hubs are a great way to provide health services to local communities,” Health Minister Jill Hennessy said. “[They] bring together a range of health and community services under one roof, ensuring services are better co-ordinated, more efficient and more convenient for locals.”
Melton Residents Association president John Goodman is pleased governments realise the importance of investing in growth areas.
“I think the health centre is a great idea. And the sooner they do it, the better,” Mr Goodman said. “Health service providers coming together is a good idea; it’s the way things should be.”
Mr Goodman said catering to youth and Aboriginal mental health was important.
“Mental health, youth suicide and the drug problem is running rife, like it is everywhere else. We’re a city now, we’re growing – it’s important we have these services,” he said.
The Melton Community Ambulatory Care Centre also signals the start of a new health precinct for Melton, earmarked for Barries Road. Health service providers were contacted for comment.
