MCCORMACK DELIVERS NEW HEALTH HUB FOR GRENFELL


4 August, 2017

GRENFELL will receive a massive boost in health services following news the town’s proposed health hub has won funding through the Federal Liberals and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.


Riverina Nationals’ MP Michael McCormack said the $2.75 million project would receive $950,000 through the fund, making the project a reality.

“It’s a great win for Grenfell and the Central West,” Mr McCormack said.

“For years the community has needed a world-class medical facility close to home and this investment from the Federal Government will make it a reality.

“I’ve had many meetings with Weddin Shire Council and lobbied extensively on its behalf for this vital project.”

“After taking Grenfell’s case to Canberra and lobbying for its inclusion, I am elated locals will soon have the access to medical services they deserve.”

Mr McCormack said the new fit-for-purpose modern medical centre would provide ongoing sustainable healthcare services to the residents of the Weddin Shire and boost council’s drive to attract more doctors to the district.

“The health hub will attract quality medical practitioners to work with allied health professionals in delivering a wide variety of services, from in-house health support to dental services,” Mr McCormack said.

The health hub will also put Grenfell at the forefront of e-Health.

“As well as transforming health services, the proposed hub is expected to employ 15 people,” Mr McCormack said.

“I congratulate Weddin Shire Council, which will contribute $1.8 million towards the project.

“I look forward to working with council to deliver benefits to Grenfell and district.”

The Building Better Regions Fund received more than 500 applications and the Grenfell Health Hub was one of about 100 which were approved.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said she created the Building Better Regions Fund to help build strong communities for decades to come.

"I aim to help build the kinds of regional communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and projects like this one do exactly that," Minister Nash said.

“After a competitive merit-based selection process, there are always those who were not successful and are naturally disappointed.

“We know this and we've got dedicated staff in the Department of Industry to give tailored feedback to each unsuccessful applicant to help improve those applications for next time.

“They can be contacted on bbrffeedback@industry.gov.au."

Weddin mayor Mark Liebich thanked Mr McCormack for the funding and said the grant meant the Grenfell Medical Hub would finally come to fruition.

“It’s been a five-year battle to try and secure funding to build our new medical centre,” Councillor Liebich said.

“This will mean we will have increased health services in the Weddin Shire and people won't have to travel to surrounding towns to see a doctor.

“We will also have dental facilities and other specialised services.

“Council purchased the medical centre block five years ago, and now our dream will come true.

“The benefit to the community will not only be recognised with health but also to our local business people with buyers buying locally.”

Minister Nash said she expected to open another round of BBRF before the end of the year.

Minister Nash will announce the successful applicants for funding under the BBRF’s Community Investments Stream – for projects designed to support a range of local capability-building activities – in the coming months.

More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au/bbrf.

ENDS
 

Ken Grimson