Push for Surf Coast urgent care clinic gains momentum

A PETITION calling for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on the Surf Coast has gained strong community support, with Corangamite federal member Libby Coker leading the campaign.

Speaking in Torquay, Ms Coker said the clinic would provide free, immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions, reducing pressure on emergency departments in Geelong.

“An urgent care clinic would be absolutely brilliant for this area.

“If a child breaks their arm, instead of having to go all the way to Geelong and wait for hours, you can get immediate care, and it’s free.”

Libby Coker and supporters rally along the Surf Coast Highway, calling for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Photo: ANGUS SMITH

Ms Coker said the clinics were designed to keep emergency departments focused on critical cases.

“If you have something really serious, you’ll be triaged into Geelong,” she said. “But for urgent but non-life-threatening issues, you’ll be treated locally, seven days a week and after hours.”

The petition has drawn strong local support through door-knocking, market stalls, and phone calls.

“The response has been amazing,” Ms Coker said. “People do want it. We’re a growing region, and access to immediate health care is essential.”

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker joined locals in pushing for a Surf Coast urgent care clinic. Photo: ANGUS SMITH

The clinic would service Torquay, Armstrong Creek, and surrounding areas, ensuring residents don’t need to travel long distances for urgent care.

Ms Coker highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare for families, retirees, and the growing number of people relocating to the Surf Coast.

The petition will be submitted to federal Health Minister Mark Butler.

Ms Coker said community backing would strengthen the case.

“I need people to sign the petition because their voices matter,” she said. “There are 87 clinics nationwide, we want to be number 88.”

Residents have been showing support at campaign events, with Ms Coker describing a recent roadside rally as a success.

Libby Coker and community members take to the Surf Coast Highway to campaign for a local urgent care clinic. Photo: ANGUS SMITH

“We’ve had people waving signs, singing songs about the need for an urgent care clinic, and cars honking their support, I’d say around 80 per cent of passing traffic gave us a thumbs up or a wave,” she said.

Ms Coker encouraged locals to continue backing the campaign.

“The more signatures we collect, the stronger our case will be to secure

this vital service for our community,” she said.