Construction begins on community health centre

A LOCAL community health centre’s important upgrade is underway after demolition began in recent weeks.

Building works have begun on Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) Portarlington Community Health Centre after COVID-19 had delayed the project for several months.

“After COVID-19 and the ongoing impact on construction costs for the building industry which created delays and budget issues for this project, we are delighted to now have the redevelopment works underway,” BCH CEO Garry Ellis said.

BCH stated the redevelopment’s demolition, conducted by Loaram Constructions, has been completed and inground service works are currently being undertaken.

Following this, footings and concrete will be installed into the new site.

BCH services, including the Portarlington GP Clinic, pathology, podiatry and physiotherapy will continue to operate during the redevelopment.

“The redevelopment of our site will create a modern facility for the delivery of health and wellbeing services to the growing communities on the Northern Bellarine,” Mr Ellis said.

“The redevelopment is a valuable opportunity for Bellarine Community Health to invest in this community.”

Noise and truck movements around the site are to be expected according to BCH, but the builders will endeavour to keep that disruption to a minimum.

The redevelopment, which is funded through the Department of Health’s Community Health and Hospitals Program and a generous donation from the Portarlington Ladies Auxiliary, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.