Coalition delivers jobs boost to Castlemaine
The Victorian Coalition Government is driving economic activity and jobs in Castlemaine, with more than 50 direct construction jobs to be created from key infrastructure projects funded in this year's Budget.
Treasurer Kim Wells visited Castlemaine Health with Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum yesterday to meet with hospital staff and view preliminary drawings for the hospital's redevelopment.
"The Coalition Government has delivered on important election commitments to the Castlemaine community which will help generate new jobs," Mr Wells said.
"The $10 million redevelopment of the hospital and the $7 million modernisation of Castlemaine Secondary College are part of a record $5.8 billion state infrastructure spend the Coalition Government is making this year.
"These projects are not just important investments in the long-term future of Castlemaine but they will also provide a significant boost by driving activity in the local economy.
"The hospital upgrade is expected to create 36 new direct construction jobs while the modernisation of Castlemaine Secondary College will create an estimated 15 jobs."
Mr Wells said the project would provide a new second theatre to be used as a procedure room and relocate the existing day surgery and urgent care areas.
"I am amazed that Daniel Andrews, as the Health Minister in the former Labor Government, ignored the problems at Castlemaine Health for so long.
"It is obvious the building design is incompatible with the provision of modern models of care, highly inefficient for clinicians and confusing for patients," Mr Wells said.
The money being invested by the Coalition Government will provide a new second theatre to be used as a procedure room and relocate the existing day surgery and urgent care areas.
Critical infrastructure upgrades such as the roofing of the main hospital building and airconditioning systems will also be undertaken.
Consultants have been engaged to start the design work and construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2013.
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