The Victorian Labor Government has promised up to $55 million to redevelop the obsolete Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge as part of a $170 million injection into three regional aged care facilities if re-elected next month.
Labor’s announcement follows sustained community pressure from Numurkah, north of Shepparton, for a redevelopment of the 46-year-old aged care home operated by NCN Health; Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell (above, centre) had also put her weight behind the campaign.
Alongside the Numurkah Pioneers overhaul, the Andrews Government has also pledged up to $45 million to redevelop a 16-bed home in Cohuna in northern Victoria, including a new eight-bed medical ward, as well as up to $70 million to redevelop a 30-bed home at Maffra, in Gippsland.
“Victorians in aged care deserve to spend their golden years close to family and friends, in the communities they know and love, receiving the very best of care,” said Premier Dan Andrews (pictured).
“Labor is doing what matters – ensuring our parents and grandparents continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve in their later years.”
Ms Lovell questioned why the Premier made the announcement from Melbourne, telling the Shepparton News he should have gone to the region.
“I am perplexed at how Daniel Andrews arrived at a figure of $55 million for a project that has been advocated for locally at $23 million,” she added.
The Government said works would begin by 2025, with the first residents moving into the redeveloped facilities by 2027.
