Healthcare built to last: $200 million commitment for Farrer
A Coalition Government will deliver a $200 million Healthcare Built to Last package to secure the future of healthcare in Farrer, Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski announced today.
Ms Butkowski said the plan would deliver the infrastructure and services local families need now, while preparing for the region’s future.
“People across Farrer deserve a health system that works, is close to home, when they need it,” Ms Butkowski said.
“This is about getting on with the job. Finishing what was started and building for the future.”
The Coalition’s plan includes a $185 million Albury-Wodonga Health Infrastructure Fund to complete the current hospital upgrade and kickstart work on a future hospital for the region, alongside a $15 million mental health package to expand access to care.
Ms Butkowski said the commitment would deliver immediate improvements while securing long-term capacity for a fast-growing region.
“We will complete the missing pieces of the current hospital upgrade, including the helipad with direct ICU, emergency and neonatal access promised in 2022, a fully fitted paediatric ward, an additional surgical theatre, expanded renal dialysis capacity, and practical improvements to parking and site access so patients can get timely care when they need it.
“We will also look ahead, with funding for planning, site acquisition and early works for a new hospital. That is how you deliver for the next generation.”
The package will also deliver Farrer’s first Medicare Mental Health Centre, a walk-in service requiring no referral, a dedicated farmer mental health specialist, and a new Headspace centre in Deniliquin.
Ms Butkowski said access to mental health care was critical for regional communities.
“No one in Farrer should have to travel hours or sit on a waiting list to get help. This plan brings services closer to the people who need them.”
“This is a plan built around one simple idea: stronger healthcare for our community, now and into the future.”
Ms Butkowski said the commitment reflected the Coalition’s focus on practical delivery.
“This is about protecting our way of life and restoring living standards in our region. You cannot do that without a health system you can rely on.”
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