The current proposal for the new Albury Wodonga regional hospital is simply inadequate, according to Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.

“The redevelopment proposed will barely meet current demand let alone the future demands for a region of 300,000 people,” he said.

“The government isn’t listening to the medical experts, community or local government representatives.

“It is pushing on with a redeveloped hospital that won’t meet today’s needs let alone the future.

Cr Whitehead has called on residents to make their voices heard.

Mayor makes call to action

“We are demanding the healthcare service and facilities our community deserves,” Cr Whitehead said.

“A new greenfield site is what we need to ensure the hospital has adequate capacity to service the region’s population including Towong residents.

“A shortage of hospital beds leads to ambulance ramping, and with Towong’s distance from major facilities, we have one of the slowest ambulance response times in the state. The new hospital must have enough beds to ensure ambulances are not left waiting at the doors to admit patients.

“It’s time for people power!” Cr Whitehead asserted.

“The state government needs to hear that our communities are not happy with the inadequate funding allocation to build the hospital.

“We need a fair share of funding from the state government for a region of our size.

“Approaches to them for a better outcome have been dismissed.

“It’s time to take a stand!’ Towong councillors are inviting residents to join them for a rally in Melbourne on March 5th at 11.30am on the steps of Parliament, Spring Street, Melbourne.

“We are encouraging community members from across the shire to join us at the rally,” Cr Whitehead said.

“The voices of our community need to be heard.”

More information on how you can be part of the rally will be provided via council’s Facebook page and website. 

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 27 February 2025.