Federal Labor has pledged to fund two day-surgery theatres in Ballan if it wins the election next month.
Ballarat MP Catherine King announced last week a Labor government would invest $2.2 million in the theatres for Ballan District Health and Care (BDHC).
“Ballan District Health provides crucial health, aged care and child care services to people across Moorabool,” Ms King’s spokesman said.
“People who live in the surrounding areas, like Daylesford and parts of Hepburn, also rely on these services.
“But population growth across the region means Ballan District Health will struggle to meet demand in the years ahead.”
A BDHC spokeswoman said the organisation was “delighted” by Labor’s commitment.
“Currently, close to 35,000 same-day procedures are being carried out in the region each year,” the spokeswoman said.
“The need will grow as population grows, and it makes sense to address this identified need by building capacity in Ballan.”
The Ballan group’s catchment area covers western Victoria – including Moorabool, Hepburn and Ballarat – with a combined population of more than 100,000 people.
By 2041 Moorabool’s population is expected to increase 69 per cent to 53,000, and the number of children aged four and under will increase 73 per cent to 3000.
The $2.2 million pledged by federal Labor will cover theatre construction costs, which could be within place within 12 months.
Most contractors will be local, the BDHC spokeswoman said. “The unit will employ 26 new staff members – medical, maintenance and administrative – and bring an estimated additional $2.53 million into the local economy,” she said.
Ms King, who is federal Labor’s health spokeswoman, said she was particularly pleased to announce the funding commitment in her own community.
“A Shorten Labor government would invest in health and hospitals across Australia – including right here in Ballan,” Ms King said.
