Phillip Island's health hub will be expanded to include a community hospital next door. By Catherine Watson
PHILLIP Island’s Health Hub will be expanded to include an adjoining community hospital.
The State Government will pay an estimated $3 million for the Church Street site, which is currently owned by Bass Coast Shire Council.
Councillors will vote next Wednesday on whether to proceed with the sale. However, it appears to be a done deal with Mayor Brett Tessari saying he was excited to see an important community project getting underway.
“This is a great outcome which means the Phillip Island community will have improved access to health services without the stress and cost of having to travel long distances.”
PHILLIP Island’s Health Hub will be expanded to include an adjoining community hospital.
The State Government will pay an estimated $3 million for the Church Street site, which is currently owned by Bass Coast Shire Council.
Councillors will vote next Wednesday on whether to proceed with the sale. However, it appears to be a done deal with Mayor Brett Tessari saying he was excited to see an important community project getting underway.
“This is a great outcome which means the Phillip Island community will have improved access to health services without the stress and cost of having to travel long distances.”
The deal is expected to be finalised quickly, with construction set to begin in 2022 and the project due to be completed in 2024.
The recent State budget allocated $3.4 million to build the community hospital and $8 million for operating the service.
The proposal is for the State Government to buy 50-56 Church Street (including the current site of the health hub). The purchase price will be determined through an independent valuation but, according to a council report, the land value is estimated at up to $3 million.
The sale of 50-54 Church Street (the health hub site) is straightforward with the council having signed a 50-year lease of the site to Bass Coast Health in 2017.
The sale of 56-58 Church Street is more complicated as a large portion is currently occupied by the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL).
The council had recently entered a two-year lease with PICAL and undertaken to construct new facilities for the group, which provides recreational, educational, and referral services to the community.
Cr Tessari said the council would work with the PICAL committee to find a new home with improved facilities.
“We look forward to the future where Phillip Island will have a community hospital and community centre.” Cr Tessari said.
The other part of 56-58 Church Street is being constructed as part of the Cowes Transit Centre. This will be retained by the council and is not affected by the sale.
The recent State budget allocated $3.4 million to build the community hospital and $8 million for operating the service.
The proposal is for the State Government to buy 50-56 Church Street (including the current site of the health hub). The purchase price will be determined through an independent valuation but, according to a council report, the land value is estimated at up to $3 million.
The sale of 50-54 Church Street (the health hub site) is straightforward with the council having signed a 50-year lease of the site to Bass Coast Health in 2017.
The sale of 56-58 Church Street is more complicated as a large portion is currently occupied by the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL).
The council had recently entered a two-year lease with PICAL and undertaken to construct new facilities for the group, which provides recreational, educational, and referral services to the community.
Cr Tessari said the council would work with the PICAL committee to find a new home with improved facilities.
“We look forward to the future where Phillip Island will have a community hospital and community centre.” Cr Tessari said.
The other part of 56-58 Church Street is being constructed as part of the Cowes Transit Centre. This will be retained by the council and is not affected by the sale.