The future of the Buchan Bush Nursing Centre remains uncertain after the State Government declined to commit to funding the construction of a new facility, despite previously providing a planning grant.
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said he had sought a guarantee of funding from Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, but was told the project would only be “considered alongside other health infrastructure priorities.”
“This response is just cruel,” Mr Bull said.
“The Buchan Bush Nursing Centre is a lifeline for the community, but the current building is outdated, non-compliant, and no longer suitable for delivering modern healthcare services.”
Mr Bull criticised the government for prioritising other spending, saying the community had done everything asked to prepare the project for construction, including securing planning funds, purchasing a greenfield site, and completing project-ready plans.
“What is the point of providing planning money if there is no commitment to actually fund the build?” he said.
“Without a funding commitment, the project simply sits on the shelf gathering dust.”
The proposed new facility is estimated to cost $6.5 million and would replace the ageing centre, which no longer meets modern health, safety, and accessibility standards.
“The plans have been drawn up, the land is secured, and the project is ready,” Mr Bull said.
“The government now needs to explain why it will not commit to funding the build.”
