Towong Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, has cited ramping at the Albury hospital as a major factor in unacceptable ambulance wait times in the municipality.

“It was disappointing – but certainly not surprising – to read the latest performance data released by Ambulance Victoria that shows Towong Shire remains at the bottom of the list for ambulance wait times in Victoria,” Cr Tolsher said.

“Whilst we all appreciate that travelling times can be longer in rural areas, the overwhelming evidence says that ambulance wait times for our community is a problem that is compounded by ambulance ramping at the Albury hospital.

“So, we will keep saying it until we believe we are really being listened to – despite its size and importance, Albury Wodonga Health has far fewer hospital beds than there are in comparably sized rural cities and also less than significantly smaller centres in both Victoria and NSW.

“Without adequate capacity in a new single-site hospital in Albury Wodonga, it saddens me to say I believe there is little hope for any real and sustainable improvement in ambulance waiting times in our shire.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that many people in our region chose long ago to stop calling 000 altogether and are driving their loved ones and their friends with seizures, chest pain or trauma to hospital themselves because they simply do not believe an ambulance will get to them in time.

“Council will continue to advocate doggedly for better health and emergency services – and road, telecommunications, power security and other outcomes for all our community.”

In other council news, the Draft Budget for 2026-2027 was endorsed at a recent special meeting and is now on public exhibition.

“The draft budget has been developed recognising the current environment of ongoing cost-of-living pressures, broader economic challenges and the delivery of bushfire recovery initiatives,” said Cr Tolsher.

Some of the key priorities for the year ahead include:-

• Delivery of approximately $10 million in capital works to repair bridges, culverts and roads in the Burrowye and Guys Forest areas (with funding supported through Disaster Recovery Funding Assistance)
• Continued asset renewal works totalling $5 million including $2.1 million for roads and bridge renewal and $1.3 million for plant and fleet

Other priorities include:

• Continued investment in community wellbeing programs, youth targeted initiatives, libraries and early years services, alongside implementation of council’s key strategies and plans
• $500,000 for bushfire recovery with additional funding announced but not confirmed (this additional recovery funding has not been budgeted)

“I encourage the community to read the budget and have a say by visiting council’s website,” Cr Tolsher said.

He also reminded residents that waste disposal fees have been waived for fire-affected residents in the shire until the end of June 2026.

Note that only eligible bushfire-related waste will be accepted free of charge. All other waste types and standard fees still apply. 

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 4 June 2026.