LOWAN MP, Emma Kealy, has called on the State Government to provide $6.65 million in funding to redevelop the Terang-Mortlake Health Service - Mortlake Community Health Centre campus.
Ms Kealy has also circulated a petition calling for a commitment from the current government after visiting the hospital recently.
“The existing buildings at the Mortlake campus are significantly aged and in urgent need of major works to support the fabulous staff at the Terang-Mortlake Health Service deliver the best possible healthcare to our local people,” Ms Kealy said.
“The local hospital community has done a fantastic job with their redevelopment plan, and I am proud to support their request for funding to construct a new, purpose-built Community Health Centre and ambulance station.”
Ms Kealy highlighted the widespread issue of attracting and retaining clinical and support staff, which is getting harder in regional Victoria, one of the many reasons to ensure our rural health facilities are first-class.
“The Andrews Labor Government must recognise that families in rural Victoria need access to quality healthcare just as much as families living in Melbourne,” she said.
“Regional and rural Victoria have been ripped off by Labor for far too long.”
Ms Kealy said that last year just 13.4 per cent of the state’s infrastructure spend was directed to rural and regional Victoria, and only 11 per cent the year before.
“With 25 per cent of Victoria’s population living in rural and regional Victoria, we deserve no less than 25 per cent of the state’s new infrastructure budget,” she said.
“If elected to government in November, The Nationals regional infrastructure guarantee will ensure rural and regional Victorians get their fair share of infrastructure funding so projects like the Mortlake campus can become a reality.”
Ms Kealy is encouraging all Mortlake and district residents to sign the petition, which is available at the IGA Supermarket, Information Centre/Library and Mortlake Newsagency.
Residents can also request a copy of the petition by calling Ms Kealy’s electorate office or via email to emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au
