April 29, 2014
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says today’s announcement of funding for the redevelopment of Latrobe Regional Hospital is ‘a victory for people power and common sense’.
“It’s a great day for Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s one of the most significant funding announcements in Gippsland for the past decade and all credit must go to the State Coalition Government for recognising the need in our community to improve health services.
“I would like to congratulate my colleagues Russell Northe and Peter Ryan for their tireless advocacy on this project, along with the board members, LRH staff and community members who have supported our attempts to secure funding.
“It was bitterly disappointing when the hospital missed out on Federal funding under the previous Labor Government’s program but it’s exciting that today’s announcement will deliver long term benefits to the wider Gippsland region.
“To their credit, previous Federal Governments have allocated more than $25 million to projects like the Gippsland Cancer Centre and the nearby Rotary Centenary House but we were never able to secure money for the redevelopment project.
“Today’s State Coalition Government announcement is the best news possible for everyone involved in LRH. The community has made it clear through its extraordinary fundraising efforts and volunteer work that it values LRH and its staff – I’m certain that this funding will be welcome across the region.”