Melton Hospital – Set to Provide an Economic Bonanza
Melton Council has long advocated for a new public hospital in Melton. A new public hospital will deliver much needed health care to the growing Melton population. It will also deliver a massive economic boost to local jobs and the broader economy. It is anticipated the Melton Hospital will be a catalyst for a major health precinct that will include public and private services and the establishment other health care services.
This is great news for local businesses who stand to share in what is expected to be an annual economic output well in excess of $500 million once the hospital is fully built out and operational.
The Victorian Government is now progressing the $2.4 million business case for the Melton Hospital. The business case will identify the range of services that would be delivered by a new Melton Hospital, how they’ll link with other healthcare facilities in the region and outline timeframes and costings for a new hospital in Melton.
This is a critical next step as the Victorian Government determines the scale and scope of services a future Melton Hospital will provide. Council’s preferred location for the new Melton Hospital is Cobblebank, near the new Cobblebank train station.
While no commitment yet exists for when the hospital will be delivered and how big it will be – some economic modelling suggests there is plenty for local businesses to be excited about. The benefits to the local economy will be significant.
The below table provides an overview of jobs and economic output of two scenarios – a 300 bed hospital and a 500 hospital.
The above figures are modelled on the Melton Hospital alone, so should a private hospital eventuate in addition to a public hospital, along with other supporting health services, the economic benefit will multiply.
A 24 hour public hospital requires everything from:
catering – food and beverage supplies and services
electrical supplies and maintenance
plumbing supplies and maintenance
other trade supplies and services
medical supplies
equipment supplies and maintenance
cleaning
printing and stationary supplies
building supplies and maintenance
landscaping
and more
This presents an enormous and ongoing operational supply and service need that local businesses can play an important role in supporting. So when you hear more news on the Melton Hospital – know that it not only provides for improved health care – but an opportunity for you to help provide much needed goods and services 24 hours a day – seven days a week.
Not to mention a large workforce ready to spend locally. It will present an opportunity for local business to share a slice of the operational economic pie and annual economic output– and that is plenty to be excited about.
Have Your Say on Hospital Services
More than 21,000 people in the Melton community supported Council’s campaign to build a Melton Hospital with many local businesses playing a critical role by displaying posters and driving uptake of the petition – all of which championed the case for a new Melton Hospital.
Now, you have the chance to help ensure a future facility delivers the best possible care and services for our community.
The Victorian Government has released a survey asking the community what sort of health care they would like to see in the future, which services they think need to be improved, and more. Community feedback will help form a business case that will outline to the government the issues, solutions, timeframes and costings for a new hospital in Melton.
To have your say on what services you would like to see being offered at the hospital - take the survey.
The delivery of a local hospital still relies on the State Government securing land and committing substantial funding. Council continues to advocate to the government to acquire land in Cobblebank in 2020, begin construction in 2022, and to have a fully operational hospital by 2026.
The State Government has indicated that the business case is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Sean McManus
Manager Engagement and Advocacy