What is it?
A comprehensive redevelopment of the existing hospital to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose regional health facility that meets current clinical standards, supports integrated acute and aged care services, and ensures long-term healthcare access for St Arnaud and surrounding communities.
The project will deliver:
- New acute inpatient beds
- Residential aged care facilities
- Urgent care bays
- Diagnostic services
- GP and community health facilities
Why is it needed?
The existing hospital infrastructure is outdated and no longer fit for purpose, limiting the ability to meet contemporary clinical, safety and accessibility standards.
Without investment, residents will continue to face long travel distances to access essential health services, placing pressure on vulnerable populations including older residents and people with chronic conditions.
The project delivers significant social and economic benefits, including:
- Improved health outcomes.
- Workforce attraction and retention.
- Construction and ongoing employment.
- Strengthened regional liveability and resilience.
The ask
Capital funding support towards the total end project cost of approximately $101–$102 million, to enable delivery of the staged hospital redevelopment as outlined in the endorsed master plan.
This investment is critical to progress stage one works and unlock the broader redevelopment required to secure sustainable healthcare services in the East Wimmera region.
Specifications
- Location: St Arnaud, VIC 3478
- State seat: Ripon
- Federal seat: Mallee
- Advocacy type: Support
- Council plan goal: Live it up: Health, wellbeing and community
- What has been done so far:
- Hospital master plan completed (Option 3E identified as preferred).
- Cost Plan A – Revision 2 finalised (detailed staging, contingencies and escalation).
- Staged delivery approach defined, including:
- Stage 1: Hospital and aged care buildings
- Stage 2: Community health replacement
- Stage 3: Additional aged care capacity (future)
- Existing commitments: East Wimmera Health Service – Project leadership, master planning and staged delivery commitment.
- Partnerships: East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) – Project lead and asset owner.
- Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Victorian Health System Strategy / Department of Health Strategic Plan 2023–27
- Victorian Health Services Plan Reform
- National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health
- Aged Care Reform Agenda (Australian Government)