The Albury-Wodonga Hospital redevelopment is a symbol of broken promises and poor planning for health in regional Victoria, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad told Parliament the project was announced just weeks before the 2022 state election as a $558 million investment, funded by Victoria, New South Wales and the Commonwealth, with a promise of consolidating two ageing hospital sites into one modern facility.
“Despite planning dating back to 2011, the reality for the border community is deeply disappointing.
“The project was stripped of critical elements to squeeze it into the budget. The helipad was removed, and key facilities are to be built as empty shells awaiting future funding. This is on top of the broken promise of a single hospital. The compromised plan fails to meet the urgent needs of the fast-growing border community.
“In the Albury Wodonga region surgical waitlists are amongst the highest in the state, with over 3500 patients waiting for surgery. There are extensive wait times due to insufficient beds and lack of capacity is causing a backlog. Some patients end up too unwell for surgery, while others are forced to travel long distances for care.”
Ms Broad said this was a direct result of underinvestment by the Allan Labor Government, and a reflection of the low priority the government gives to regional health.
“The Albury-Wodonga hospital has been allocated just $225 million by Victoria. It is 320 kilometres from Melbourne and over 550 kilometres from Sydney, yet there is no helipad at the site.”
Major hospital redevelopments in other areas received considerably more money from the state, including Bendigo ($630 million), Ballarat ($655 million) and Warrnambool ($396 million).
Ms Broad visited Albury-Wodonga recently and met hospital management, staff and doctors, as well as council representatives and patients.
“The frustration in the community is palpable. Patients and medical professionals are angry. There is tension between decision-making groups, and the absence of genuine community consultation shows this government’s strongarm approach. This project is now dependent on future funding just to meet needs that were identified years ago.
“The minister must urgently review this project and provide critical investments into health infrastructure. The community needs access to high-quality, accessible health care services that meet the increasing demands of a growing population.”
See Ms Broad’s speech to Parliament here: https://youtu.be/jDH2eXxTS3w
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
