By Olivia Condous
Melton will finally receive a new hospital to meet growing healthcare demands in the western suburbs, but mayor Goran Kesic said he is “not happy with the time we’re having to wait”.
The May 3 state budget set aside $900 million for a new tertiary hospital in Cobblebank.
The state government said planning for the hospital is well under way and the construction is expected to start in 2024, reaching completion by 2029.
While Melton council has officially welcomed the hospital funding, issuing a statement from Cr Kesic thanking the government for recognising Melton’s needs as “one of Australia’s fastest growing areas”, Cr Kesic told reporters he was “not happy” with the government’s timeline during a press conference with opposition leader Matthew Guy on May 4.
“We needed the hospital yesterday,” Cr Kesic said.
Mr Guy was also critical of the government not starting construction of the hospital in the last four years, since $70 million in funding was allocated in previous budgets for the project.
“This hospital remains just an empty field,” Mr Guy said.
“In the first term of government, the Coalition intends to commence construction on this hospital, not delivered by this government who had eight years to deliver it.”
The government said the hospital will provide a 24-hour emergency department, more than 100 medical and surgical beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, ambulatory care and a range of clinical supports.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the hospital would not only give people access to the best care but will also create thousands of local jobs.
“We’re getting on with delivering a new 24-hour public hospital right here in Melton so locals can get the very best care, closer to home, when they need it most,” Mr Andrews said
Final designs for the hospital will be informed by community and stakeholder feedback.
