New hospital would drive the economy
Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood, has used debate on the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measurers) Bill 2020 to signal that projects in West Gippsland are ready to go and to help drive the recovery for the local economy.
Mr Blackwood particularly highlighted the delivery of a new West Gippsland Hospital, a dedicated line for Gippsland services through the metropolitan network and duplication of track between Bunyip and Longwarry as projects that could begin in the very near term.
“The Premier has highlighted that we need shovel ready projects to help drive the recovery in Victoria
“What better place to start than a new West Gippsland Hospital which has been on the agenda for years ticking all the boxes for driving economic, employment and health recovery.
“It delivers jobs in its design, construction and expanded health service employment opportunities post-completion, but more importantly, the new hospital will enhance local access to quality healthcare and provide much-needed respite to our hard-working health professionals currently battling enormous, increasing demand in an outdated facility,” he said.
Mr Blackwood also said delivering upgrades to the Gippsland rail network could deliver a major boost for jobs and growth.
“Gippsland commuters have long suffered with no dedicated line through the metropolitan network to allow express V/Line services to operate as efficiently and reliably as possible between Pakenham and the CBD.
“Now is an excellent time to invest in a dedicated line for V/Line to deliver greater reliability and frequency of services for commuters.
“Additionally, the duplication of the line between Longwarry and Bunyip has already been flagged by the Andrews Government as a priority and funded by the Federal Government. Another project that will improve service reliability and remove a severe bottleneck that limits the expansion of the regional timetable here in Gippsland.
“There are dozens of projects here in West Gippsland even more right across the eastern region that can help drive the economic recovery.
“I am pleased the Premier has indicated he wants to fast forward infrastructure projects but he needs to “lift his eyes” and see the opportunities here in Gippsland that deserve his urgent attention. Projects that will lift the State economy out of a COVID-19 hangover and grow the economy of Gippsland into the future,” Mr Blackwood said.