IT WAS an ironclad election promise by Premier Daniel Andrews in 2022, and earmarked for funding in the state budget announced in May 2023.
But locals are yet to see any major developments on the $290 million stage two of Wonthaggi Hospital.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas didn’t add much when asked about the project on Thursday last week, during the soft launch opening of the Phillip Island Community Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre.
She did, however, recommit the government to the work.
“What is happening with stage two of Wonthaggi Hospital?” Minister Thomas was asked.
“We’ve got a $15 billion pipeline of health infrastructure that we’re continuing to deliver and we’re doing this in a staged way,” Minister Thomas said
“Do you have any update on when stage two might happen?”
“In a staged way, right across the state.”
Minister Thomas also referred to the $320 million Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund delivering seven major hospital projects including a new hospital and public sector residential aged care facility for West Gippsland, redevelopment of the Dandenong Hospital and expansion of the Wonthaggi Hospital.
The Minister’s response to the Sentinel-Times followed questions by WIN News Gippsland reporter, Jack Morgan, about a promise to deliver over $600 million for a new West Gippsland Hospital at Warragul.
“Our government made a commitment at the 2022 election that we will deliver a number of new and upgraded hospitals right across the state, and in order to
deliver on that commitment, we established the Health Infrastructure Delivery Fund. When you have a building program of that magnitude, it’s important that we take the time to get the planning right.
We’ll continue that work at Warragul.”
According to the Hospital Infrastructure website, critical planning and development activities are underway for the expansion of the Wonthaggi Hospital.
Stage two of the Wonthaggi Hospital project follows the initial $115 million Wonthaggi Hospital works completed in late 2022.
It includes two new wards, increasing patient capacity by up to 64 beds, a new labour and delivery complex and new outpatient clinic with around 25 treatment spaces, providing space for patients needing dialysis, chemotherapy and specialist appointments.