BY NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON Shire Council has strengthened its campaign to establish a 24-hour general public hospital in the municipality with the introduction of an advisory committee earlier this month.
Mayor Justin Mammarella said that given the significant population growth in Melbourne’s West, and specifically within the shire of Melton, there was a great need to increase hospital and health services.
“This decision to form a committee demonstrates council’s strategic objective of building strong, productive relations to encourage the sharing of knowledge and involving the community to provide high quality services and facilities,” Mr Mammarella said.
The committee will consist of all councillors, community members, council officers, a health professional and the council will also invite local MPs to join.
Council will be advertising to seek community representatives for the group.
Mr Mammarella said residents were currently being forced to travel to Sunshine Hospital or Bacchus Marsh to receive urgent medical attention.
He said with a high number of young families moving into areas like Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill and Hillside, it was imperative that services in the area were improved.
Council has even set aside land in the new suburb of Toolern in the hope of a hospital.
