Today marks a milestone achievement as we turn the first sod on construction of the new Health and Medical Hub in Cowes.
The Coalition Government has provided $2.5 million for this vital health project, which delivers on our commitment to develop public health facilities on Phillip Island.
The sod turning is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by the community, the Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group, the Warley Trust and Bass Coast Health.
The Victorian Government has also provided $2.2 million and will oversee the building of the facility.
A further $1.1 million was provided by the Warley Trust, with the Bass Coast Shire providing land in Church Street for the building.
Local company TS Constructions won the tender to build the health hub, which is expected to open in 2018. Not only will this deliver a state-of-the-art facility but it will also provide jobs for the local region both during and after construction.
This project is the definition of collaboration, with support from all levels of government and driven by an impassioned community.
I congratulate the Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group for the leading role they have played in ensuring this project came to fruition.
Their tireless commitment to improving access to health facilities on the Island is to be commended.
Phillip Island residents will soon have a medical facility they can be proud of.
The Hub will provide a range of health and medical services in a state-of-the-art building. More importantly, it will become part of the Wonthaggi Hospital network and will expand as the demand for health services on Phillip Island increases.
Ever since the closure of Warley Hospital, the community has campaigned tirelessly for better health and medical facilities on Phillip Island and it has been a great pleasure to work closely with local residents to make this dream a reality.