Gerald Lynch
Health was the big winner for Hume and Whittlesea residents in this year’s state budget, with a huge funding coup for Northern Health.
The Northern Hospital in Epping has been allocated $813 million, which will deliver up to 70 extra treatment spaces, alongside a new emergency department with a dedicated paediatric zone.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the funding will create better healthcare for residents.
“This record investment allows us to deliver better facilities and more healthcare workers – making sure every Victorian gets the best care, no matter their address,” she said.
“The new emergency department will include an alcohol and other drugs hub, dedicated acute behaviour treatment space and a dedicated paediatric treatment zone.”
The state government is also progressing the delivery of community hospitals to provide more public healthcare options tailored to the local community, with hospitals in Craigieburn and Sunbury due for completion in 2024, and in Mernda in 2025.
Two northern secondary schools are winners in the budget, receiving $11.7 million each for modernisation of existing facilities.
Gladstone Park Secondary College and Whittlesea Secondary College are receiving upgrades, with completion earmarked between October and December 2026.
Stage one of the Mickleham Road Upgrade will continue to be worked on, with $47.7 million estimated to be spent in the next financial year, as a completed date of April to June 2026 is estimated.
The Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency will receive $19.3 million to ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos in government-owned buildings. Asbestos fragments have been found in more than 10 parks across Melbourne since the start of April, including Seabrook Reserve in Broadmeadows.
Hume council expressed mixed emotions about the budget.
Mayor Naim Kurt said council was grateful for the investment in education but disappointed the Growing Suburbs Fund had been cut to $5 million, down from $10 million.
” It jeopardises the ability for us to partner and deliver much needed community infrastructure for our growing communities,” he said.
