Libs pitch big in city’s west

THE Liberal party has pledged to build a Ballymanus Regional Hospital for Ballarat’s west, should they form government after next month’s State election.

Worth $200 million, the hospital on Ballarat-Carngham Road would initially offer 100 beds, an urgent care centre, surgical, radiology, imaging, and pathology diagnostics services, dialysis and cancer treatment, geriatric support, and allied, mental health and dental services.

Liberal candidate for Eureka Paul Tatchell said Ballymanus Hospital would make urgent care more accessible to patients both in the city, and living rurally.

“This significant commitment by the Liberals and Nationals will deliver a world-class health service in our region,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier said the hospital is part of a broader statewide plan to improve public health.

“Accessing basic healthcare should never be a struggle, and this investment is about ensuring regional Victorians are prioritised, and the very best of healthcare is made available,” she said.

Also on the city’s west side, the Liberal party has promised to complete the north-south Ballarat Link Road project worth $278 million, if elected.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said building and updating regional roads is a priority.

“The need for the Ballarat Link Road has been clear for some time, and we’ll get on and deliver it,” he said.

His party has also pledged $150 million for a Commonwealth Games athletes’ village in Ballarat if they’re successful on election night.

Liberal candidate for the seat of Wendouree Samantha McIntosh said the hospital, link road, and athletes’ accommodation would be catalysts for change.

“This package of transformational projects will steer us toward a wonderful outcome leading into the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond,” she said.

“Our strategic and visionary planning for a strong future, that can deliver beyond the Commonwealth Games, will ensure legacy projects to our growing population as well the housing diversity our residents need.

“This is not just about a better health system, but it also focusses on the housing diversity and affordability that we are hearing in conversations in our community.

“Our residents have made it… clear they want better roads, connections to Melbourne, Geelong and Glenelg highway and that they are sick of the gridlocks at school and work times that they’re currently experiencing.”