AlburyCity Joins Regional Push for New Hospital on New Site
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AlburyCity is proud to stand with its regional counterparts in advocating for a new hospital on a new site, reflecting a unified commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of our region. This historic collaboration was initiated at a recent meeting in Wodonga, where Mayors from across the Albury Wodonga Health catchment zone united to push for vital healthcare infrastructure.
The meeting, held on 2 December, marked the first gathering of regional councils since the recent local government elections in New South Wales and Victoria. Participating councils included AlburyCity, Wodonga, Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire, Mansfield, Berrigan Shire, Federation Council, Greater Hume, Edward River, Towong Shire and Snowy Valleys.
Wodonga Mayor Cr Michael Gobel, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the importance of aligning these councils around a common vision for the region’s future healthcare needs. “The recent local government elections have made it clear that a new hospital is a priority for communities on both sides of the Border,” Cr Gobel said. “Residents have spoken, and they want a new, well-resourced hospital that meets the needs of a growing population. For the first time, a range of regional councils are saying the same thing – we need a new hospital on a new site.”
The group agreed on several actions, including calling for urgent meetings with the New South Wales and Victorian Premiers. One key decision was to advocate for splitting the current health region into two Local Health Service Networks (LHSNs): Ovens Murray and Goulburn Valley, with Albury Wodonga Health as the designated LHSN for Ovens Murray.
AlburyCity Mayor Cr Kevin Mack expressed his strong support for the collaboration and the push for a new hospital. “Albury is excited to work alongside our regional partners to advocate for a greenfield single-site hospital that will serve the needs of our community,” Mayor Mack said. “This unified stance puts the community first, and we must advocate for sustainable, long-term healthcare solutions that will meet our region's growing demands.”
The councils also pledged to continue advocating for the necessary funding to support the development of a new hospital, in line with the objectives outlined in the Albury Wodonga Health 2021 Clinical Services Plan. In the meantime, they will press for additional resources to relieve the immediate pressures on existing healthcare services, including funding for extra beds, modular wards, and theatres.
“The Albury Wodonga Health Clinical Services Plan forecasts significant population growth and a doubling of emergency department presentations by 2040. It’s clear that our healthcare system is under strain, and the time to act is now,” said Cr Gobel. “I am grateful to all the mayors who have joined us in calling for what our community needs—a new hospital on a new site.”
As discussions continue, the councils are committed to reaffirming their call for a new hospital at their 2025 meetings, ensuring the ongoing momentum of this critical advocacy.