Opposition vows to build new West Gippsland hospital if elected

The Victorian Liberal National Coalition has promised to construct a new hospital for the rapidly expanding West Gippsland region, pledging $850 million if they win the upcoming November election. This commitment aims to address the long-standing healthcare infrastructure needs of the area, which has experienced significant population growth.

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West Gippsland is a rapidly growing region, but under Labor basic infrastructure needs are not being met or keeping pace.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated that ensuring Victorians have access to quality healthcare is a top priority. She criticized the current government, saying, "West Gippsland is a rapidly growing region, but under Labor basic infrastructure needs are not being met or keeping pace." The proposed facility would feature 230 beds and treatment spaces, a 33-treatment-space emergency department, 60 residential care beds, and dedicated accommodation for healthcare workers.

Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier emphasized the community's four-year wait for the project to commence. "This community, like many communities, are not getting a government focused on their needs," she said. Crozier assured that if elected, the Coalition would "move immediately to get the final planning completed and start to deliver on this commitment." The existing West Gippsland Hospital in Warragul was originally built in 1939.

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This community, like many communities, are not getting a government focused on their needs.

In 2022, the former premier Daniel Andrews had committed $675 million to build a new 223-bed hospital in West Gippsland by 2028. Although funding for planning and development was allocated in the 2023 Victorian budget, construction has yet to start.

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We will move immediately to get the final planning completed and start to deliver on this commitment.