Hospital budget funds

West Gippsland Healthcare Group has received funding of $4 million in the Federal Budget to build a cancer centre at the hospital.
Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said he was pleased with the funding announcement which would ensure people did not have to travel for vital treatment.
He said the centre would be built in a portable situation "so it can be picked up and taken to a new hospital when that proceeds."
Healthcare group chief executive Dan Weeks said the new centre would be built adjacent to Monash Rural Health in Sargeant St.
He said it was the perfect site commanding beautiful views across Warragul and would enable the current one day a week service to be extended.
"We want to ensure that people don't feel like they are coming to a hospital setting," he said.
He said there had been some site meetings with the architects and he expected tender documents would be prepared "shortly".
Mr Broadbent also announced that Baw Baw Shire would receive nearly $1.8 million in COVID response funding. Similar funding was received last year.
Mr Broadbent emphasised it was up to the shire to determine what to do with it.
"They might decide to allocate it to roads or put lights at a rec reserve. There are no strings attached," he said.
Mr Broadbent said he was pleased the fuel excise levy had been slashed for six months.
He said it was particularly important for regional drivers who often didn't have the choice of public transport.
It will relieve pressures on many households. It gives a saving of $20 a week at least and that will make a huge difference for many household budgets.
Mr Broadbent said he hoped the State Government funded a business case for the Drouin by pass in the upcoming state budget.
That project was promised by the State Government more than seven years ago.
Mr Broadbent said he was disappointed the duplication of the rail between Bunyip and Longwarry had not started.
He said the project was particularly essential with high fuel prices. People want to use trains and want an efficient service.
He also said some of his parliamentary colleagues were concerned the effect the levy reduction could have on road projects.
Mr Broadbent said the full effects would not be known for some time because most programs were on a three year funding process.
He said there had not been specific budget funding for Neerim Health Services, but he hoped there would be other avenues open for much needed upgrades.
"Ï am working flat out for the organisation. Not only is the upgrade vital for services it also must be remembered it is the community's biggest employer.
He had also hoped for more funding for Lardner Park.

"There may be other programs we can apply and make an announcement on that."