Matthew Guy’s new $600m pledge for Wantirna health precinct
A long-anticipated health precinct development in Wantirna would get a $600m boost from the Victorian Liberal Party if it wins the state election.
Victoria
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Wantirna would be transformed into a $900m health precinct under a Liberal state government.
A long-anticipated Outer Eastern Health City hub could become a reality if the opposition wins the November election after it committed $600m to the project – and another $300m would be sought from the federal government.
The first stage of the development, on nearly 22ha alongside Wantirna Health, would include a new 250-bed tertiary public hospital, health education and training hub, and on-site accommodation for healthcare workers.
The Knox “Health City” precinct, on Boronia Rd and Mountain Hwy, already has a masterplan drawn up by the Victorian Planning Authority.
The collaboration between the Andrews government and Knox Council has been in the works since 2019 but is yet to be funded. It has an emergency department with trauma capability, an intensive and critical care unit, general and specialist surgery operating theatres, maternity, oncology, radiology and geriatric services along, and a 1000-space car park.
There would also be facilities for live-in accommodation, adjacent to the new hospital, for healthcare staff wanting to stay on site.
Liberal Party state leader Matthew Guy said the health precinct would be funded without new taxes being levied or greater debt.
He said that would be achieved by shelving the Andrews government’s $35bn Cheltenham-to-Box Hill stretch of the Suburban Rail Loop and redirecting the cash into the healthcare system.
“This important commitment is another key part of our plan to fix the health crisis and ensure all Victorians can get the quality healthcare they deserve,” Mr Guy said.
Healthcare has become a central election issue. The Liberal-Nationals have made 15 announcements, including a $900m commitment for a new Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne’s west, hospitals for Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and West Gippsland, and a $400m boost for upgrades to Maroondah Hospital.
Among Premier Daniel Andrews’ four announcements was a $1bn Maroondah Hospital rebuild that would be renamed after Queen Elizabeth II. The government also committed up to $290m for an upgrade to Wonthaggi Hospital, and $1bn for upgrades to the Austin Hospital and Northern Hospital.
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