News

Health | September 26, 2022

Urgent need for Mortlake Hospital upgrade

Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Emma Kealy is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to provide the funding necessary to redevelop the Terang-Mortlake Health Service - Mortlake Campus.

Ms Kealy has circulated a petition calling for a $6.65 million funding commitment from Labor 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.

“We know that attracting and retaining clinical and support staff is getting harder in regional Victoria, which is one of the many reasons we need to ensure our rural health facilities are first-class.

“The Andrews Labor Government must recognise that families in rural Victoria need access to quality health care just as much as families living in Melbourne.

“Regional and rural Victoria have been ripped off by Labor for far too long.

“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.

“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 on (03) 5382 0097 or via email [email protected].

End of media release