Council welcomes Labor announcement to fund new hospital in Baw Baw
Published on 03 October 2022
Baw Baw Shire Council has welcomed a re-election pledge from the Andrews Labor Government to invest $610 - $675 million to build a brand new hospital for locals in Drouin East.
The announcement has promised that the new hospital will include:
- 223 beds and treatment spaces (an increase in 75 from the current hospital), including 33 emergency department spaces (an increase of 19)
- Three new operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge technology
- Up to 25 spaces to provide outpatient care and specialist treatment
- A new birthing unit, including special care nursery cots and maternity unit.
Labor’s announcement follows a similar promise from the Liberals and Nationals (subject to Federal support) in June to invest in a new West Gippsland Hospital.
A new hospital for Baw Baw Shire has long been a key advocacy priority for Council. In November 2021, Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to jointly progress advocacy and planning for the much-needed facility.
“Baw Baw Shire is one of the fastest growing regions in the state,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney. “The West Gippsland Hospital is an absolutely vital asset for our community, but has long been struggling to keep up with the demands of our exploding population.”
“Council has been advocating alongside the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to all sides of the political spectrum seeking funding for this badly needed local healthcare infrastructure. In June we welcomed the Coalition’s pledge to build a new hospital. Today, we’re seeing that election promise matched and then some by Labor.”
“I wish to congratulate the hospital and all members of the community for their ongoing and passionate campaign. We don’t care who builds it, we just want it built. It’s been a long road but today it looks like we finally have confirmation that it will happen. This is absolutely fantastic news for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“More and more Victorians have discovered West Gippsland is a beautiful place to live and work – this booming population needs a new local hospital to deliver world-class care.”
“Labor is doing what matters – we’ll deliver the new hospital and an aged care centre that West Gippsland needs, now and into the future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"The brand new hospital and aged care facility will help more West Gippslanders to get the care and treatment they need, closer to home - and from Wonthaggi to Orbost, Labor is doing what matters."