Epping’s Northern Hospital to get children’s emergency department

Whittlesea’s health and education sectors were the big winners in this years budget. Find out everything you need to know about how you and your family will benefit here.

Mill Park state Labor MP Lily D’Ambrosio.

Whittlesea’s health and education sectors were the big winners in the 2019-20 State Budget.

A Whittlesea Community Hospital would be among 10 to be built across the state, following a $2 million commitment for planning works.

The community hospitals were first announced by Labor in the lead-up to the 2018 state election.

Meanwhile, the mooted children’s emergency department at the Northern Hospital in Epping also received cash.

More than $62 million was earmarked in the budget to plan the emergency department and others at Geelong, Maroondah, Frankston and Casey.

Plans for the dedicated children’s departments were announced late last year.

Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox praised the health initiatives and a plan for a parenting centre in Whittlesea.

“We have been working hard with our local members of parliament to identify what our community needs are and they’ve listened and responded,” he said.

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The parenting centre would be among nine in the state which will offer support and advice to new parents as part of a $213.7 million statewide investment.

Yan Yean state Labor MP Danielle Green said funding for the construction and upgrade of Whittlesea schools showed the budget was “all about the investments our community needs to thrive”.

More than $22 million was allocated to finish stage 2 of Edgars Creek Secondary College in Wollert, and another $8.9 million would be used to build permanent modular buildings at Lalor East Primary School.

Almost $20 million is earmarked on connecting the Plenty River Trail with Mernda and Hawkestowe stations to provide a link for cyclists to the Yarra River Trail.

Thomastown state Labor MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the budget would provide stronger infrastructure for Whittlesea and deliver “the new schools and health care we need to support our growing community”.